David’s Fireworks and Hazlewood’s Bowling Shine as Australia Take 1-0 Lead Over SA

Australia vs South Africa, 1st T20I Highlights

Tim David’s explosive 83 off 52 balls and Josh Hazlewood’s vital three-wicket haul powered Australia to a 17-run win over South Africa in the first T20I at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin. This victory extended Australia’s T20I winning streak to nine matches and gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Australia stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 30 runs in the first four overs. Cameron Green’s quick 35 off 13 balls helped steady the innings, but it was David’s powerful batting — featuring four boundaries and eight sixes — that lifted Australia from 75 for six to a competitive 178 all out. Kwena Maphaka was South Africa’s best bowler, taking 4/20, while Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets.

Chasing 179, South Africa started well with captain Aiden Markram hitting three boundaries before falling to Hazlewood. Ryan Rickelton’s solid 71 off 55 balls and Tristan Stubbs’ 37 off 27 kept South Africa in the hunt. However, Hazlewood’s two quick wickets in the 15th over swung the momentum firmly towards Australia.

Ben Dwarshuis also impressed, taking three wickets for 26 runs, while Adam Zampa chipped in with two to dismantle South Africa’s lower order. The visitors collapsed from 120 for 3 to 161 for 9, losing six wickets for 41 runs in the final overs.

David’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award, while Hazlewood’s tight bowling—conceding just 27 runs in four overs—was crucial to the win.

The second T20I takes place at Marrara on Tuesday, August 12, with South Africa aiming to level the series.

Brief Scores
Australia: 178 all out (Tim David 83, Cameron Green 35; Kwena Maphaka 4/20)
South Africa: 161/9 (Ryan Rickelton 71, Tristan Stubbs 37; Ben Dwarshuis 3/26, Josh Hazlewood 3/27)

Australia won by 17 runs