Australia began the T20I series against South Africa on a high note, winning the opening match in Darwin by 17 runs and taking a 1-0 lead. The victory also extended Australia’s unbeaten streak in T20 internationals to nine matches, their longest in the format. Australia faced early difficulties, with South Africa’s fast bowlers making early breakthroughs. The Australian team was reeling at 75/6, with Cameron Green’s aggressive 35 being a standout. However, Tim David turned the innings around, scoring 83 off 52 balls, with four boundaries and eight sixes. He built a critical 59-run partnership with Ben Dwarshuis, and Australia managed to score 178. Kwena Maphaka, a 19-year-old pace bowler from South Africa, impressed with figures of 4 for 20, which were his best T20I figures and also the best ever by a South African men’s bowler against Australia in this format. In the chase of 179, South Africa’s innings lacked momentum, although Ryan Rickelton scored 71 off 55 balls. Australia’s bowlers, especially Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, were key to the victory. Hazlewood’s crucial breakthroughs in the 15th over, including the wicket of Tristan Stubbs, changed the game’s momentum. Adam Zampa added more pressure by taking two more wickets. The win also added to Mitchell Marsh’s successful leadership, securing his 22nd victory in 25 games as Australia’s T20I captain. South Africa will need to regroup to have a chance in the rest of the series.
