Tim David produced a career-defining knock of 83 off 52 balls to lift Australia from 74/6 to a match-winning total of 178 in the series opener against South Africa in Darwin on Sunday. His innings, packed with eight towering sixes, turned a shaky start into a competitive score, earning him the Player of the Match award.
We went pretty hard today, but there’s not going to be that many occasions when that many of our batters miss out, I don’t think. I just tried to play my way and it came off.
David said
David found a crucial partner in Ben Dwarshuis (17 off 12), with whom he stitched a 59-run seventh-wicket stand, ensuring the hosts had something to defend. Maphaka’s record-breaking spell lights up South Africa’s bowling effort.
Teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka was the shining light for South Africa, claiming a career-best 4-20. At 19 years and 124 days, he became the youngest seamer from a full member nation to take a four-wicket haul in men’s T20Is. His figures, combined with early blows from Kagiso Rabada, George Linde and Lungi Ngidi, had Australia on the ropes before David’s counterattack.
Hazlewood swings it Australia’s way
Chasing 179, South Africa’s hopes rested on Ryan Rickelton’s fluent 71 off 55 balls and Tristan Stubbs’ 37. At 120/3 in the 15th over, the visitors looked on course, but Hazlewood changed the game’s complexion in one decisive over, removing both Stubbs and Linde to trigger a collapse.
It was a serious effort from all of our bowlers. Tim David batted beautifully tonight — exactly the way we back our guys to play.
Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh said
Adam Zampa (2-33) added to South Africa’s woes before Glenn Maxwell’s stunning juggling catch at the boundary ended Rickelton’s resistance in the final over. Dwarshuis (3-26) cleaned up Rabada to seal a 17-run win and Australia’s record ninth consecutive T20I victory.
Markram admits South Africa were off their game
Skipper Aiden Markram conceded his side wasn’t at their best. "We were pretty far from our best tonight. A few learnings over the next 24 hours and try to improve. Maphaka bowled very well," he said.
Brief Scores: Australia 178 all out in 20 overs (Tim David 83, Cameron Green 35; Kwena Maphaka 4-20; Kagiso Rabada 2-29); South Africa 161/9 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 71, Tristan Stubbs 37; Ben Dwarshuis 3-26, Josh Hazlewood 3-27, Adam Zampa 2-33) Result: Australia won by 17 runs — lead series 1-0.