Australia claimed a 17-run victory in Darwin to open their T20 series against South Africa, thanks to Tim David’s explosive batting and a strong bowling performance led by Josh Hazlewood.
Batting first, Australia collapsed early, losing key wickets in the powerplay. But David’s 83 off 52 balls, with eight sixes, transformed the innings. His counterattack came alive after Tristan Stubbs dropped a catch, leading to back-to-back maximums.
South Africa began their chase with promise, anchored by Rickelton’s 71. However, they failed to keep pace as Hazlewood’s three for 27 and Zampa’s two for 33 dismantled their lineup.
Maxwell’s sharp fielding and an acrobatic boundary catch to remove Rickelton were among the highlights of the night. His contribution with the ball was equally important in containing the run flow.
The win adds to Australia’s dominant streak in T20 cricket, while South Africa’s search for consistency in the format remains ongoing.