Hard work still awaits the Proteas after Australia won the first T20 clash in Durban by 111 runs.
Mitchell Marsh (92* from 49 balls) and Tim David (64 from 28 balls) blew the smoke out of the South African bowling attack to see the Aussies post 226/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
The two Australian batsmen played fearless cricket and they hit a combined 26 boundaries.
At least Lizaad Williams was able to take three wickets, but none of the Protea bowlers conceded less than 10 runs per over.
Then Temba Bavuma was clean bowled by Marcus Stoinis for a wicket in the first over of the home team’s innings.
Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks then tried to fight back, but the Proteas’ shaky house of cards collapsed when Van der Dussen lost his wicket.
Tanveer Sangha got rid of Dewald Brevis (5) and Tristan Stubbs (0) in consecutive deliveries to boast a bowling analysis of 4/31 in his first international T20 match.
To summarize things in a nutshell: The Aussies messed with the South Africans.
“There is no excuse. We felt and looked rusty and we will definitely have to play better in the next game. We want to play competitive cricket and win matches for South Africa,” said captain Aiden Markram.
The second game in the series will be decided on Friday evening at 18:00.
- Scorecard Summary:
Australia 226/6 in 20 overs: Mitchell Marsh 92*, Tim David 64 and Lizaad Williams 3/44.
South Africa 115/10 in 15.3 overs: Reeza Hendricks 56, Tanveer Sangha 4/31 and Marcus Stoinis 3/18.
