Australia and South Africa are set to clash in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series on Tuesday in Darwin. Australia enter the second game with a 1-0 lead, following a hard-fought 17-run victory in the series opener. In the first game, after being sent in to bat, Australia were reeling early on before middle-order power-hitter Tim David showcased his class. His blistering 83 off 52 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and eight towering sixes, was the backbone of Australia’s innings, guiding them to a competitive total of 178 in 20 overs.
South Africa, in response, struggled to build momentum, with Australian bowlers striking at regular intervals. Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis picked up 3 wickets each to limit South Africa to 161/9 in 20 overs. Going into the second game, South Africa will be desperate to level the series and avoid handing Australia a chance to claim the series. Australia, meanwhile, will look to ride the momentum of their opening win. Tim David’s form is a huge positive, and if their bowlers continue to deliver with the same determination, Australia will be in a strong position to seal the series.
Head-to-head
Matches - 26
AUS won - 18
SA won - 8
Australia likely XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa likely XI: Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi