Australia extended a dominant all-round display to register a 17-run victory over South Africa in the opening T20I in Darwin, stretching their unbeaten run in the format to a record nine matches.
Tim David and Josh Hazlewood stood as the crucial performers in a match that witnessed both sides experience momentum swings before the hosts closed it out with composure.
South Africa made early inroads with the ball, their pacers maintaining tight lines and lengths to trouble the Australian top order. The hosts found themselves in trouble at 75 for 6, with Cameron Green’s explosive 35 off just 13 balls offering the only resistance in the early stages.
However, Tim David turned the tide with a masterful knock. The middle-order batter crafted a superb 83 off 52 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and clearing the ropes eight times. His 59-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Ben Dwarshuis proved decisive in lifting Australia to a competitive total of 178.
One of the brightest positives for South Africa came in the form of 19-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka, who delivered a career-best T20I performance. His spell of 4 for 20 was not only his personal best but also the finest figures by a South African men’s bowler against Australia in T20 internationals. Maphaka’s control and ability to pick up crucial wickets kept the Proteas in the contest.
In reply, South Africa started their chase steadily but lacked the explosive power-hitting required to overhaul the target. Ryan Rickelton anchored the innings with a fighting 71 off 55 balls, keeping the visitors in contention deep into the match. However, the middle overs proved decisive.
The turning point came in the 15th over when Josh Hazlewood struck twice, removing a dangerous Tristan Stubbs along with another key batter. Those dismissals halted South Africa’s momentum and swung the contest firmly in Australia’s favour. Adam Zampa compounded the damage in the very next over, claiming two wickets in quick succession to leave the Proteas struggling.
Despite Rickelton’s best efforts, the scoreboard pressure mounted, and South Africa found themselves with too much to do in the closing stages. Australia’s disciplined death bowling, led by Hazlewood and Dwarshuis, ensured the target remained out of reach. Dwarshuis finished with impressive figures of 3 for 26, while Hazlewood also claimed 3 for 27.
The win marked Mitchell Marsh’s 22nd victory in 25 matches as Australia’s T20I captain, underlining the team’s strong run in the shortest format.
Match Summary: Australia 178 (Tim David 83, KwenaMaphaka 4-20) South Africa 161/9 (Ryan Rickelton 71, Ben Dwarshuis 3-26, Josh Hazlewood 3-27) Result: Australia won by 17 runs
With this win, Australia not only extended their record streak but also sent an early statement ahead of the remainder of the series. South Africa will need to address their middle-order batting and power-hitting if they are to bounce back in the next encounter.
Pic Credit (Screebgrab: Facebook ICC – International Cricket Council)
