Strong 83 of Tim David of 52 balls and the key three goals of Josha Hazlewood helped Australia to defeat South Africa 17 runs in the first T20i in Marra Cricket Ground in Darwin. The victory was extended by the Australian T20i lane to nine matches and gave them 1-0 in a series of three matches.
Australia vs. Southern Africa, 1.
Australia first fired, but started badly and lost three early goals for 30 runs in the first four breaks. Cameron Green scored a quick 35 out of 13 balls, but that was Tim David, who held shifts together. His shifts, representing four boundaries and eight six, raised Australia from 75 to six to a strong 178 total. Kwen Maphak was the best South Africa pitch, took four goals for 20 runs, while Kagiso Rabada took two.
South Africa chased 179, started well with Captain Aiden Markram as she hit three boundaries before Hazlewood took his goal. Ryan Rickelton scored a solid 71 out of 55 balls and gave a good partnership with Tristan Stubbs, which made 37 out of 27.
Ben DwarShuis also bowed well, took three goals to 26 runs, and Adam Zamba raised two more to break the South African lower order. Visitors fell from 120 to three to 161 for nine and lost six goals for 41 runs in 34 balls.
Tim David was appointed a match player for his winning shifts. Hazlewood’s close bowling at the end, admission of only 27 runs in four exceeds, was also vital in providing victory.
The second T20i will be on the same soil on Tuesday, August 12, while South Africa will need a speedy recovery to stay in the series.
Short score
Australia: 178 All in 20 overs. Tim David (83), Cameron Green (35); Kwena Mapakha (4/20)
Southern Africa: 161/9 in 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton (71), Tristan Stubbs (37); Ben DwarShuis (3/26), Josh Hazlewood (3/27)
Result: Australia beat South Africa by 17 runs
– ends
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
August 10, 2025
