Australia shrugged off an early batting slump to beat South Africa by 17 runs in Darwin, taking the lead in the three-match T20 series. The home side was in deep trouble before Tim David produced a match-turning innings.
David blasted 83 from 52 balls, peppering the stands with eight towering sixes. His recovery act came after Australia had stumbled to 6 for 75, chasing quick runs in the powerplay. A dropped catch at long-on when he was on 56 allowed him to add to South Africa’s misery.
The Proteas reply was built on Ryan Rickelton’s composed 71, but wickets at crucial stages derailed their chase. Josh Hazlewood’s accuracy paid dividends with figures of three for 27, while Adam Zampa’s two for 33 kept the run rate in check.
Glenn Maxwell’s contribution with the ball, one for 29, was complemented by a spectacular leaping catch on the boundary to dismiss Rickelton. That moment all but sealed the result.
The win reinforces Australia’s dominance in T20 cricket, while South Africa’s struggles in bilateral series remain unresolved.