Tim David’s Blazing Knock and Hazlewood’s Heroics Propel Australia to 1-0 Lead vs South Africa

Australia vs South Africa, 1st T20I Highlights.

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

Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing three early wickets for 30 runs in four overs. Cameron Green’s quickfire 35 off 13 balls provided some momentum, but it was David’s powerful innings—with four boundaries and eight sixes—that rescued Australia from 75 for six to post a competitive total of 178 all out. Kwena Maphaka was the standout bowler for South Africa, claiming four wickets for 20 runs, while Kagiso Rabada took two.

Chasing 179, South Africa began positively with captain Aiden Markram hitting three boundaries before falling to Hazlewood. Ryan Rickelton played a steady 71 off 55 balls and shared a valuable partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who scored 37 off 27. However, Hazlewood’s two quick wickets in the 15th over shifted the momentum in Australia’s favor.

Ben Dwarshuis complemented Hazlewood’s efforts by taking three wickets for 26 runs, while Adam Zampa picked up two more to dismantle South Africa’s lower order. The visitors collapsed from 120 for three to 161 for nine, losing six wickets for 41 runs in just 34 balls.

Tim David was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock, while Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling—conceding just 27 runs in four overs—proved vital.

The second T20I will also be played at Marrara Cricket Ground on Tuesday, August 12, with South Africa looking to bounce back and level the series.

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)