 "The first T20 between Australia and South Africa produced a few breathtaking catches. Images: Cricket Australia")
Australia beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series, held at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Sunday, August 10.
Tim David proved to be the chief architect of Australia’s victory as the batter hammered 83 runs from 52 balls to help the hosts reach the total of 178/10. In reply, South Africa were in business when Rick Rickelton (71) and Tristan Stubbs (37) were in the middle. The two put on 72 runs for the 4th wicket and were guiding SA towards a famous win.
However, veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood brought the Aussies back into the game by sending Stubbs and George Linde back in the same over.
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The loss of wickets left South Africa in trouble, and in the end, they fell short of the target by 17 runs. SA finished at 161/9 after 20 overs.
Notably, South Africa’s 19-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka picked up 4 wickets for 20 runs in four overs. However, it was Tim David who was adjudged the player of the match.
Glenn Maxwell takes a stunner
Australia outclassed South Africa in the fielding as well. Glenn Maxwell, who has made a portfolio out of taking unbelievable catches, was at his finest once again. Maxwell successfully took the typical but unbelievable catch, where the fielder had to throw the ball inside after taking it while being in the air and had to come back into the field to collect the ball, to dismiss Lhuan-dre Pretorius in the fifth over of the game.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIncredible reflexes by a fan in the crowd
Besides the stunning catch by Maxwell, one of the highlights from the match was made by a fan in the crowd. Tim David, who was on a roll in the match, smashed eight sixes in his innings of 83, and one he hit on the fourth delivery of the 13th over was caught in the crowd.
It was an unbelievable catch from the fan who was sitting behind the deep square leg boundary. The ball was travelling, but the man plucked it with one hand. The fan enjoyed the moment and the other fans sitting around him applauded his effort.
With the win, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will take place on Tuesday at the TIO Stadium.