The series is on the line for South Africa as they head into a crucial second T20 against Australia in Darwin on Tuesday. After dropping the opener, the Proteas face a must-win situation, while the Aussies are looking to lock up the series and secure their tenth consecutive win.
The first match followed a familiar script for Australia since the 2024 T20 World Cup — an aggressive batting approach that continues even when wickets fall early. They were 75 for 6 before Tim David turned the innings around with a powerful 83 off 52 balls, including eight sixes. That helped set up a total of 178.
South Africa had their moments. Kwena Maphaka delivered a standout spell, taking 4 for 20, the best figures by a South African against Australia in T20Is. Ryan Rickelton kept the chase alive with 71 from 55 balls, but the target proved too steep. Australian bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis each took three wickets to seal a 1-0 series lead.
Conditions in Darwin may again lean toward the batters. The surface offers good bounce and the outfield is quick. Boundaries are within range for big hitters, but the new ball has given pace bowlers some early help. Teams chasing could have a slight advantage, though Australia’s defense of 178 in the opener shows runs can be protected. Play begins at 2:45 p.m. IST.
In head-to-head terms, South Africa have eight wins against 18 defeats to Australia in T20Is. Their last away T20I win over the hosts came in 2014. The two sides’ most recent series before this one was in South Africa in 2023, when Australia swept 3-0.
Probable XIs:
Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.
This all comes down to South Africa’s bowlers. Another performance like Maphaka’s breakout game could rock Australia’s batting lineup and push this series to the wire. If they can’t repeat that success, however, expect the Aussies to shut the door and win the series early.
