The Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I in Darwin delivered high drama and explosive batting. South Africa’s bowlers struck early, removing Australia’s top order and putting the hosts under pressure. They swung the new ball effectively and forced quick mistakes.
However, Tim David shifted the momentum completely. He walked in with Australia struggling and took his time to assess the pitch. Then, he launched an aggressive counterattack. He smashed 83 off 52 balls, hitting four boundaries and eight towering sixes. By rotating strike smartly and punishing loose balls, he revived the innings.
Cameron Green joined the onslaught. He hammered 35 off just 13 deliveries, including three sixes and two fours. His blistering cameo lifted Australia from 105/6 in the 12th over to a competitive total. Nevertheless, South Africa’s bowlers fought back at the death, dismissing the hosts for 178 in 19.5 overs.
Australia’s Batting Score – 178 (10 wkts, 20 ov)
| Players | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Mitchell Marsh (c) | 13 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| Travis Head | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cameron Green | 35 | 13 | 4 | 3 |
| Tim David | 83 | 52 | 4 | 8 |
| Mitchell Owen | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Glenn Maxwell | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Ben Dwarshuis | 17 | 19 | 2 | 0 |
| Nathan Elis | 12 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Adam Zampa | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Hazlewood* | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Figures:
- Kwena Maphaka – 4 ov, 20 runs, 4 wkts.
- Kagiso Rabada – 4 ov, 29 runs, 2 wkt.
- Senuran Muthisamy – 4 ov, 24 runs, 1 wkt.
In reply, South Africa began positively. Reeza Hendricks timed the ball well, while Ryan Rickelton anchored the chase. Rickelton’s composed 71 off 55 balls kept the visitors in contention. He drove confidently, found gaps with ease, and absorbed pressure when wickets fell.
Yet, Australia responded with precision. Josh Hazlewood bowled with perfect control, claiming 3 for 27. Ben Dwarshuis matched him with 3 for 26, using clever variations to disrupt the batters’ rhythm. As the pressure mounted, the required run rate began to climb.
South Africa Batting Score – 161 (9 wkt, 20 ov)
| Players | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Aiden Markram (c) | 12 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Ryan Rickelton (wk) | 71 | 55 | 7 | 1 |
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | 14 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Dewald Brevis | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 37 | 27 | 5 | 0 |
| George Linde | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Corbin Bosch | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 10 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Kwena Maphaka* | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Figures:
- Josh Hazlewood – 4 ov, 27 runs, 3 wkt.
- Ben Dwarshuis – 4 ov, 26 runs, 3 wkt.
- Adam Zampa – 4 ov, 33 runs, 2 wkt.
Then came the match’s defining moment. Glenn Maxwell leapt high at the boundary and pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss Rickelton. That stunning effort ended South Africa’s biggest hope and shifted the game firmly in Australia’s favour.
From that point on, Australia tightened its grip. They maintained sharp fielding and disciplined bowling, forcing errors from the South African batters. Despite some late hits, the Proteas could only reach 161 for 9. Consequently, Australia sealed a 17-run victory.
This win carried special significance. It extended Australia’s winning streak in T20 internationals to nine matches, setting a new national record. The combination of fearless batting and disciplined bowling proved decisive.
Tim David’s knock stood out as the game’s highlight. He absorbed the pressure early and then exploded with clean hitting to all parts of the ground. Furthermore, his partnership with Cameron Green showcased Australia’s depth in finishing power.
South Africa, on the other hand, can take positives from Rickelton’s batting and the early bowling success. However, their middle-order collapse and missed chances in the field hurt their chances. They now face the challenge of bouncing back in the next match.
Moreover, the Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I had it all: early drama, power-hitting, top-class bowling, and fielding brilliance. With the Aussies leading 1-0, cricket fans can expect even more fireworks in the rest of the series.
