Australia started their three-match T20I series against South Africa with a 17-run victory in Darwin on Sunday.
Chasing 179, South Africa’s innings suffered early damage as they lost three wickets inside the powerplay. Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton steadied the chase with a 72-run stand off 52 balls for the fourth wicket. Rickelton top-scored with an impressive 71 off 55 balls at a strike rate of 129.09, hitting seven fours and a six. Stubbs contributed 37 from 27 deliveries, including five boundaries.
However, Australia kept chipping away with wickets, and the visitors were eventually restricted to 161/9 in their 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis were the standout bowlers for the hosts, taking three wickets each.
Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and opted to bowl first. Australia also had a shaky start, losing two wickets early. Tim David anchored the innings with a brilliant 83 off 52 balls, featuring four fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 159.62. He formed three crucial partnerships—40 runs with Cameron Green, 59 with Dwarshuis, and 30 with Nathan Ellis—that pushed Australia to a competitive total.
Green provided the fireworks with a quickfire 35 off just 13 balls at a strike rate of 269.23, smashing four fours and three sixes.
For South Africa, young pacer Kwena Maphaka impressed with figures of 4/20 at an economy of 5.00.
David’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award. The second T20I will also be played in Darwin on 12 August.
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz