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AUS beat SA by 107 runs | South Africa vs Australia, Highlights And Cricket Score 1st T20I Match - Commentary
Australia in South Africa, 3 T20I Series, 2020
Date: Feb 21, 2020 Start Time: 21:30 IST | 16:00 GMT | 18:00 LocalVenue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
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South Africa vs Australia Highlights And Cricket Score 1st Match - T20I Commentary
Hmmm... a required rate of under 10 at the Bull Ring. Good enough for the chasing side or the defending one? We shall find out soon. Australia have not quite embraced the shortest format, especially outside home and this will be a stiff challenge. Stay tuned.
196, did you say? Poor bowling, it must have been. NO. Not entirely. But the fielding was atrocious. They could have easily cut off 20-30 runs off the total had all catches been held or even some of the stops been made. Dale Steyn strut his stuff, having his wood over the Aussies while Tabraiz Shamsi made sure that placards of 'Aussies can't play spin' kept rising in the stands. Their combined figures of 8-0-62-4 pushed Australia back, especially in the middle overs. Ngidi, Rabada and Phehlukwayo were not that consistent enough.
The Aussies started like a train on fire. They lost Warner second ball but then, Finch and Smith launched a counter-attack. Their 80-run association seemed to knock the wind out of the Protea sails but Finch's wicket got South Africa back into the game. The cutters, slower balls, knuckle balls etc... started to do the trick and the visitors started to lose momentum. The middle order could not quite get their timing right and in the end, a cameo from Ashton Agar took them close to the 200-mark.
Well, that is an okayish kind of total by Australia. They were 99/2 in the first 10 and have scored more or less the same in the next 10. It was more of a 'Hit-a-six-or-you-will-be-punished' sort of approach from the Kangaroos and one believes that while it did give them a headstart, they might end up falling 15-20 short.
Kagiso Rabada to Ashton Agar. TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Excellent finish for Australia. 18 runs came from the last over from Rabada. Short delivery from Rabada on off, Agar looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes over de Kock's head. It races to the fence and AUSTRALIA END ON 196/6.
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc. Short ball on middle, Starc looks to pull but it takes the edge, goes onto hit the chest area and the ball rolls to the leg side. A single taken.
Kagiso Rabada to Ashton Agar. Yorker on off, Agar digs it out to point and the batters take a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ashton Agar. What happened there? Quinton de Kock and Tabraiz Shamsi are in two minds as to who will go for the catch and the ball ends up dropping safely. Short ball on middle, Agar looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes towards short third man. De Kock runs across while Shamsi runs ahead from short third man. Nobody calls for it and eventually the ball lands in between them. South Africa have been very poor in the field and this is another one of those instances. Two taken in the end.
Kagiso Rabada to Ashton Agar. SIX! Hammered! Another full one on off, Agar stands in his crease and thrashes it over the long off region for a biggie. 10 off the first two balls.
Kagiso Rabada to Ashton Agar. FOUR! CREAMED! That is some way to find the gap. Full outside off, Agar leans forward and drives it uppishly. It is slightly wide of mid off and the fielder dives in an attempt to stop the ball but fails to do so. The ball goes through!
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 2-0-27-0 so far.
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc. SIX! Slower delivery does not work this time. It is bowled around off, Starc waits for it and looks to go big. He hits this high in the air, getting seemingly more height than distance but long on is a mere spectator. It is the shortest part of the ground. Good end to the over for the Aussies.
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc. Play and a miss! Slower delivery outside off, Starc looks to slog it away but misses it altogether.
Lungi Ngidi to Ashton Agar. Good length ball on off, Agar cuts it to the point region for a single.
Mitchell Starc is the new man in.
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh. OUT! CAUGHT! Australia are losing their way in the death overs. Marsh falls now! Slower one from Ngidi on off, Marsh looks to heave it away to the leg side. It takes the top edge and goes towards deep square leg. Steyn runs across, tumbles and takes the catch. The ball almost pops out but he manages to hold onto it.
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh. WIDE! Poor bowling! Full toss down the leg side, Marsh looks to help it on its way to the fine leg fence but misses. Wide signaled.
Lungi Ngidi to Ashton Agar. On a length on off, Agar pushes it to the deep cover region for a single.
Lungi Ngidi to Ashton Agar. BEATEN! Slower delivery outside off, Agar looks to punch it to the off side but makes no connection with the ball.
Lungi Ngidi returns. 2-0-28-0 so far.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Ashton Agar. On off, Agar punches it to the deep cover for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. Short ball on off, Marsh punches it to deep cover for a single.
Ashton Agar is the new man in.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Alex Carey. OUT! CAUGHT! Carey falls now and South Africa are having a really good last few overs. Full on off, Carey looks to play it over the long off region but fails to time it well. It goes way high in the air and towards long off. Faf du Plessis settles himself under it and takes a tumbling catch.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. On a length outside off, Marsh cuts it to deep point for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. SIX! Marsh is a strong man and that has cleared the ropes with ease. Shortish delivery on off, Marsh camps back and looks to pull. He mistimes it though, getting more height than distance but eventually, the ball has enough to clear the mid-wicket fence.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. WIDE! Very full delivery outside off, Marsh leaves the ball alone.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. Another cutter, outside off, Marsh has a wild swing but misses.
Dale Steyn to Alex Carey. Shortish in length on off, Carey pulls it to square leg and it is another good over for the hosts.
Dale Steyn to Alex Carey. TWO LEG BYES! Very well bowled from Steyn! Good length ball outside off, Carey moves to the off side and looks to paddle. He misses and the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. De Kock fails to collect it cleanly and the ball rolls to third man. The batters manage to steal two leg byes.
Dale Steyn to Alex Carey. Swing and a miss! Steyn dishes a good length ball around off, Carey dances down the track and then looks to slog it away but fails to get any bat on it.
Dale Steyn to Mitchell Marsh. Slower full delivery on middle, Marsh digs it out to long on for a single.
Dale Steyn to Mitchell Marsh. Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Marsh attempts to play the cut but makes no connection to it.
Dale Steyn to Alex Carey. Slower delivery outside off, Alex moves inside his crease and cuts it to third man for a single.
Dale Steyn to bowl out. 3-0-29-2 so far.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Alex Carey. Another one on a length on the pads, Carey makes room and then cuts it to point for a single. Good over from Phehlukwayo. 8 runs from it.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. Good length delivery on off, Marsh pushes it to point and takes a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Alex Carey. On a length on off, Carey punches it to the off side for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Alex Carey. Full on off, Carey drives it crisply to mid off. Miller comes across, tumbles and makes the stop.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Alex Carey. EDGY FOUR! Luck for Carey! Short ball on middle and leg! Carey looks to pull but it takes the inside edge, hits the pads and goes over the keeper's head for a boundary. 150 up for the visitors.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Mitchell Marsh. Short ball on middle, Mitchell pulls it down to long on for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo is back on. 2-0-17-0 so far.
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh. Good length ball on middle, Marsh flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Good over for Australia as 16 runs have come from it.
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh. EDGY FOUR! Top edge but it's safe! Short delivery on middle, Marsh looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes over the keeper and into the fence. The on-field umpire goes upstairs to check whether it is a maximum or a boundary. The replays suggest that it is the latter.
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. EDGY! On a length outside off, Carey looks to cut but it takes the outside edge and it goes to the third man region for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. Wide! Another one outside off, Carey lets it go. Wide signaled.
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. FOUR! Another one! Carey is looking good out there! Back of a length ball outside off, Carey punches it through covers to pick up the second boundary of the over.
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. FOUR! Cut away nicely! Short delivery outside off, Carey cuts it towards the deep point region for a boundary. The third man fielder tries giving it a chase but fails to clean it up.
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. Short of a length on off, Carey hops and pushes it to the point region for a dot.
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. WIDE! Rabada starts with a full delivery outside the off stump line, Carey leaves the ball alone. The umpire signals it a wide.
Kagiso Rabada is back into the attack. 1-0-11-0, his figures so far.
JJ Smuts to Alex Carey. A short ball, around middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
JJ Smuts to Mitchell Marsh. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
JJ Smuts to Alex Carey. Short ball, outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
JJ Smuts to Alex Carey. Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.
JJ Smuts to Alex Carey. On middle and leg, flicked away for a couple.
JJ Smuts to Mitchell Marsh. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Alex Carey. NOT OUT! What was that noise? No idea. Short and outside off, Carey backs away and looks to cut. There is a sound as he misses and de Kock jumps in joy. But the umpire does not budge. De Kock immediately signals the 'T' but Ultra Edge does not show anything. The sole review lost.
Is that a wicket? De Kock is confident but the umpire shakes his head. The keeper cum skipper immediately takes the review and then has a chat. There was a noise. But Ultra Edge detects nothing. NOTHING!
Tabraiz Shamsi to Alex Carey. DROPPED, SIX! Great effort from Rassie van der Dussen. Full and outside off, Carey gets down and plays the slog sweep. It is not that high and pretty flat. Rassie at deep mid-wicket, waits till the eventual moment and then leaps. Gets fingertips to the ball but cannot catch it. Parries it over.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Alex Carey. Full and outside off, Carey looks to defend but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge. Quinton de Kock whips the bails off but does not appeal.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Alex Carey. Landed outside off, pushed straight to point.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Mitchell Marsh. Landed around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Alex Carey. Full and outside off, this is swept through mid-wicket for a single.
Australia amidst a familiar middle order collapse. In comes Alex, to try and 'Carey' his team to a decent total.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. OUT! STUMPED OFF A WIDE! Well, is the cat amongst the pigeons now? Smith is gone. The set batsman. Beautifully bowled from Shamsi. Flights this up but with pace, down the leg side. Smith is down the track and cannot get any bat on ball. Gone. End of a wonderful innings but Australia now have two new batsmen in the middle.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. Short ball outside off, Smith cuts it uppishly to third man to keep strike for the next over.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. Wide! Full delivery down the leg side, Smith looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.
Mitchell Marsh is the next man in.
Dale Steyn to Matthew Wade. OUT! CAUGHT! Well, Qade is surprised and Steyn gives him a mouthful. Dale gets his second and Wade falters on his return to the T20I arena. Steyn bowls a off-cutter on off, Wade looks to heave it to the leg side but fails to get the timing he was desiring for. It goes towards deep mid-wicket where David Miller is stationed. He bends and takes a simple catch. Wade thought he had hit that well, but that was not quite the short boundary he thought he could clear easily.
Dale Steyn to Matthew Wade. Short ball on off, Wade pulls it but does not time it well. It lands safely in the deep mid-wicket region and the batters take a couple. Steyn is not happy as there was only a single on offer.
Dale Steyn to Matthew Wade. FOUR! Smashed! Short ball outside off, Wade cuts it through the point region for a boundary.
Dale Steyn to Matthew Wade. Slower delivery outside off, Wade looks to play the lofted drive towards the off side but plays the shot a tad bit too early. In the end the ball lobs towards the cover region.
Dale Steyn to Matthew Wade. WIDE! Short ball down the leg side, Wade looks to play the pull but fails. Wide signaled.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. Well fielded! Full delivery outside off, Smith drives it crisply towards extra cover. Phehlukwayo comes across and dives to his left to make an excellent stop. Saved three for his side.
Dale Steyn is back on. 2-0-19-1 are his figures so far.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Full on middle, Steven comes down the track and chips it over the bowler. The batsmen initially call for two but Rassie van der Dussen charges across to his right from long off. So, the batsmen settle for the single. However, Rassie fumbles and Smith is interested in the second but Wade has not seen what is happening and is not quite ready. By the time he can react, van der Dussen recovers. So the thought for the second is aborted.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Matthew Wade. Full and outside off, swept through square leg for one.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Down the leg side, spinning further away, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Matthew Wade. Excellent stop by Kagiso Rabada. Full and outside off, Wade looks to carve this inside out but mistimes it. The ball goes in the air towards deep point but Rabada hares to his right from deep cover and dives, parrying the ball away from him. Short third man cannot quite get to it immediately and hence the batsmen take three.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Full outside off, spinning in, driven back to the bowler.
JJ Smuts to Matthew Wade. On middle, Wade pushes it back to the bowler.
JJ Smuts to Steven Smith. Shortish outside off, Smith punches it to deep cover for a single.
JJ Smuts to Steven Smith. Flighted ball on middle, Smith dances down the track and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
JJ Smuts to Matthew Wade. Loopy delivery on off, Wade looks to flick but gets a leading edge. The ball goes towards the cover region and the batters take a single.
JJ Smuts to Matthew Wade. DROPPED! FOUR! South Africa give another chance to the Aussies. Pite van Biljon is the culprit. Flighted ball on off, Wade bends on his knees and looks to play the sweep. The ball takes the top edge and goes towards deep square leg. Van Biljon comes across from deep square leg but then sees Rabada running across from deep mid-wicket from the corner of his eye. Rabada though, backs off at the last moment and van Biljon has to attempt late. He has to dive and eventually, spills it. The ball rolls into the fence as well. Will Wade make the hosts pay for this miscommunication?
JJ Smuts to Steven Smith. Smuts starts with a floated ball on off, Smith defends it to the cover region for a single.
JJ Smuts is here as the next bowling change.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Lucky again! Full and outside off, Smith looks to punch this through the covers but the ball takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps towards fine leg. A run taken.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Matthew Wade. Full and outside off, Matthew looks to push but the ball spins away and takes the outside edge, towards the fielder at short third man. The batsmen stroll across for the single.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Matthew Wade. Short and outside off, Wade goes back to punch but the ball goes off the bottom edge towards cover. The fielder fumbles at short extra and by the time Rabada gets across from sweeper, two runs are taken.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Full and around middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. WIDE. Down the leg side, paddle shot missed.
This is normally where Glenn Maxwell would have come to bat. Instead, it is Matthew Wade.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Aaron Finch. OUT! Great shot. Wait, CAUGHT! Well, did not see that coming. The slog from Finch against a spinner. How many times would you back that to clear the ropes? 9 out of 10. This is the rare 1 occasion. And South Africa will take it. Full and around leg, Finch backs away a touch and looks to slog it over the fence. He seems to connect well but when the ball comes down, completing its trajectory, Faf du Plessis takes it comfortably at the wide long on boundary! End of the 80-run stand.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. The googly, outside off, punched through point for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. A short ball, outside off, pulled straight to deep mid-wicket for one. The run rate is being pushed back now.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Aaron Finch. Landed outside off, the skipper waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it towards third man for a run.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Aaron Finch. Landed outside off, AF slashes but misses.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Aaron Finch. Outside off, Aaron looks to punch but mistimes it to point.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. Decent stop by Jon-Jon Smuts but surprising running from the Aussie batsmen. A short ball, around off, Smith gets across and pulls this through square leg. The ball races away but Smuts gets across and dives, half-stopping the ball. It goes a bit away from him but the batsmen take just a run.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Aaron Finch. Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Aaron Finch. WIDE. That is a harsh call. Short and wide outside off, Finch reaches out to cut but misses. That seemed to be inside the wide guideline.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Aaron Finch. Works this down the leg side to end a 9-ball over.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. Full and outside off, Steven looks for a wild slog but drags it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket. Just a single.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Aaron Finch. Works this through the leg side for a run.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Aaron Finch. Full and down the leg side, Aaron looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Aaron Finch. THIRD WIDE OF THE OVER. Again, consistency. Down the leg side, spinning down, flick shot missed. This is going to be a long over.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. ANOTHER WIDE. Short and down the leg side, flick shot missed.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Steven Smith. WIDE. Down the leg side, flick shot missed.
Tabraiz Shamsi to Aaron Finch. Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Spin time to inaugurate the middle passage. Tabraiz Shamsi into the attack.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. FOUR! SMASH! 70/1 IN THE POWERPLAY! Short and wide outside off, Smith slaps it over point and ends the fielding restriction period in style.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. A length ball outside off, Smith looks to flick but the ball comes back in a long way and cuts him into half.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. INSIDE EDGE, FOUR! Fortuitous for Smith. A length ball outside off, Smith looks to punch but the ball comes in, takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps to the fine leg fence.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. Around off, Steven looks to punch it through the off side but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards short mid-wicket.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
Andile Phehlukwayo to Steven Smith. FOUR! Welcome into the attack. Short and outside off, Smith gets across a touch and punches it behind point.
Andile Phehlukwayo to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. SIX! Fine way to end the over! A length ball outside off, Finch stands still this time. Lofts it as clean as a whistle and gets it all the way over long off! 50-RUN STAND IS UP! 17 from the over, 49 from the last 4!
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. Outside off, played through point for a couple.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. FOUR! Up and over! A length ball outside off, Finch backs away and lofts it over cover. One bounce and into the ropes.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. FOUR! STUPENDOUS! A short ball, outside off, Finch backs away again but this time, he pulls. Beats the man running to his left at deep square leg.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. WAIT ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! That is a cry of frustration from Finch. A length ball, outside off, Finch backs away and punches, but finds cover.
Lungi Ngidi to Steven Smith. A length ball, around off, Smith gets across and drags this through mid-wicket for a single.
Change of ends for Lungi Ngidi. Went for 11 in his first.
Kagiso Rabada to Aaron Finch. A yorker to end the over, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
Kagiso Rabada to Aaron Finch. On a length, around middle and leg, tucked straight to short fine leg. Opportunity missed.
Kagiso Rabada to Aaron Finch. Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
Kagiso Rabada to Aaron Finch. EDGED, FOUR! That will not please Rabada either. A short ball, outside off, Finch looks to run it down to third man but is cramped for room. The ball takes the outside edge and flies over the vacant slip cordon to the third man fence.
Kagiso Rabada to Steven Smith. Landed outside off, on a length, Smith initially looks to pull but in the end, runs it down to third man for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Steven Smith. SIX! Off the top edge. Rabada is steaming. And now, he is fuming. A short ball, around off, Smith looks to pull but the extra pace and bounce takes the top edge. The ball flies over third man!
Kagiso Rabada into the attack now.
Dale Steyn to Aaron Finch. FOUR! Cracked through point. Short and outside off, Finch stays back and punches it through point.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
Bang! Dead ball. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! goes around the Bull Ring. Steyn comes charging in but loses the ball in his runup. It lands twice on the pitch but Smith charges out of his crease and smashes it over mid on. Now, the umpire signals it a dead ball but Finch is not happy. As per the rules, that should be a boundary but the umpire shakes his head. Smith says he is not sure.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. FOUR! SLAUGHTERED! Short and outside off, Smith slaps it through point and gets a boundary.
Dale Steyn to Aaron Finch. A full toss, flicked through mid-wicket for a quick single.
Dale Steyn to Aaron Finch. Full and outside off, punched straight to cover.
Dale Steyn to Aaron Finch. A length ball outside off, does not come off the surface. Finch looks to flick but is early into the shot. Gets a leading edge which lands on the surface.
Lungi Ngidi to Steven Smith. CHANCE OF A CATCH, MISSED! FOUR! Steyn smiles. He lost it in the lights. Big moment. A short ball, outside off, Smith slashes hard towards third man. Dale Steyn comes running in for the catch but loses it in the lights. The ball goes over him and lands in front of the ropes!
Lungi Ngidi to Steven Smith. Outside off, Steven looks to punch but the ball does not come off the surface. The bottom edge is induced due to the late contact and the ball rolls towards cover.
Lungi Ngidi to Steven Smith. A short ball outside off, Smith plays a wild hack, but misses.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. That is through as well. On a length outside off, Finch punches this through the covers. Short extra cover puts in a lazy dive to his right and misses. Faf du Plessis then gives it a chase from mid off, gets to the ball, puts in a slide at the boundary but by then, three runs are taken.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. A length ball outside off, cuts back in, Aaron looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Lungi Ngidi to Aaron Finch. FOUR! SLAP! A perfect response to a poor ball. Short and wide outside off, Finch cuts it powerfully behind point. The ball races away.
Lungi Ngidi to bowl from the other end.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. Outside off, punched straight to cover. Pacy start from Steyn.
Dale Steyn to Steven Smith. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Dale Steyn to Aaron Finch. INSIDE EDGE, MISSES THE STUMPS! Lucky for Finch. On a length outside off, the skipper looks to punch this through the off side, minus any footwork but luckily for his team, the addition is on the run board as the ball narrowly misses the stumps. A single to fine leg.
Dale Steyn to Aaron Finch. FOUR! Jeez, not a bad way to get off the mark. A length ball outside off, Finch gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers. The fielder dives but the ball goes past him.
Steven Smith walks in at number 3, replacing Warner.
Dale Steyn to David Warner. OUT! CAUGHT! Where are you, South Africa fans? Cannot hear you, cannot hear you. Need more noise! What a brute from Steyn. A loosener first ball, back on track the next. A short ball, around middle, Warner looks to tuck it to the leg side but the ball suddenly kicks off the surface. David is caught in no man's land, unable to stop his shot and hangs his bat midway in the air. The ball lobs in the air and goes towards fine leg. Tabraiz Shamsi accepts it graciously. The crowd roars the Bull off the Bull Ring. Steyn gives a smile. Just a smile. Well, that was according to the plan, wasn't it?
Dale Steyn to David Warner. FOUR! Warner is away, Australia are away but cannot say the same for the fans. There is a silence enveloping the ground, though not stunned. Not the best of balls from Steyn, banging it short and wide outside off. Warner gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers.
We are all set for the game to begin. A portion of the stands is empty, as it was damaged by a storm last night. Dale Steyn to begin the bowling storm for the match though. David Warner and Aaron Finch are the openers for Australia. Warner to face, with a slip in place. Here we go!
Australian captain, Aaron Finch, says that he too, would have looked to bowl first and observes a bit of tackiness on the wicket - but also adds that it does not matter too much in a T20I. Is looking forward to the hostile reception from the Saffa fans. Is confident about his squad, albeit ruing Glenn Maxwell's absence, but believes that the consistency in the selection in the last 2 years makes it comfortable for the players to gel around and perform better.
South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, says that inclement weather is the main reason and also, the pitch getting better to bat in the night is an added cause. On the recovery post a hectic England series, de Kock says that the team is excited to play, especially the T20 format. Is feeling great to have Rabada and du Plessis back, for all the energy.
So Pite van Biljon gets a chance owing to Temba Bavuma's absence due to injury. We learn that Heinrich Klaasen injured himself during the warm-ups, so he misses out at the last moment.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (C AND WK), Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, JJ Smuts, David Miller, Pite van Biljon (DEBUT), Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.
TOSS - Well, Faf du Plessis is back, but he has not come out for the toss. That is because he has now stepped down from captaincy, giving Quinton de Kock the reigns, with an eye for the future. And de Kock has won the flip of the coin. SOUTH AFRICA ELECT TO CHASE.
It is the Bull Ring. How can we not talk about the Bull? David Warner is back. For perhaps his last T20I series, considering that he is contemplating retirement from this format. And Steven Smith is back as well. Both these players were part of the infamous ball tampering incident a couple of years ago and without doubt, will be receiving a lot of hostility from the Protea fans.
It has not been a great day for Aussie fans, having forced to swallow the bitter pill of being defeated by India in the opening match of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup. The defending champions suffered a shocking loss chasing 133, leaving their fans distraught. Can their male counterparts give their fans some medicine to rub on their wounds?
It is a T20I series to begin with and the first of three will be played at Jo'burg. A place where the ball flies. The same place where 434 was gunned down in an ODI by the Proteas around 14 years ago. It is the Bull Ring. Who will win the bout?
Ahoy, Aussie-Saffa fans! A team with yellow jersey plays with one wearing a yellow jersey and green trousers. Urgh... why can't it be simply yellow vs green? Anyway. South Africa had a engrossing series against England but it is this one which will matter more for them. This is where it all started 2 years ago. One of the most intense, if not the most intense rivalries in international cricket is about to resume. Hello and a warm welcome to the first international match of Australia's tour of South Africa.
A quick finish then to douse a highly-anticipated octane clash. Hopefully, Sunday, 23rd February, 2020 would provide a better clash. Join us at 2.30 pm local (1230 GMT) for the second T20I. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Victorious Australian captain, Aaron Finch, is pretty much satisfied with the all-round show from his side. Praises his batsmen for getting a big total and then his bowlers for landing the ball in the right areas. On being asked as to why did the chasing team struggle, Finch says that while chasing high totals, there are a few things which need to go right for both sides. He says that those things worked for him and in hindsight, it was a good toss to lose. Details by saying that the plan was not to bowl anything loose and cramp them on the pads. On his blinder to help Ashton Agar take the hat-trick, Finch says that he just stuck his left hand and the ball stuck. Lauds Ashton for bowling superbly.
ASHTON AGAR HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Is all smiles on the hat-trick that he got and humbly says that his job was made easier by the fact that Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson and Pat Cummins did their job with the new ball. On his cameo with the bat, Agar says that on a track which sees plenty of fast bowlers bowling above 150 kph, swinging hard is the way to go about it. Praises his skipper for taking the catch to enable the hat-trick and lauds the entire team performance.
South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, is not too sure what happened in the game. Stresses that the energy was there but the skills were not good at all. Admits that fielding is something they pride upon and this game they let themselves down. But says that they need to forget this and come back refreshed on Sunday.
When your scorecard has just three batsmen in double figures, with the fourth joint highest being Mr. Extras (7), there is no point talking about the batting. The less said the better. South Africa would want to forget this night. A night where they got their lowest completed score in a T20I.
They say that a good start often lays the foundation. And Starc's opener did. He shattered de Kock's stumps and that was it. South Africa barely got any momentum and slipped to 38/3 in the Powerplay and then Ashton Agar's hat-trick killed the chase. Not many times do you see a bowler taking 5 wickets in 4 overs in a T20I and this was one of those. His 5/24 are the BEST FIGURES BY AN AUSTRALIAN in a T20I.
Wow. Australia have won by a margin more than South Africa's total. A miserable batting display. No partnership was formed and that hit them hard.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada. OUT! TIMBER! That is the end of that! Australia have given the Proteas a real hammering here! The visitors were always favourites to win but to do so in such a dominating fashion was not expected at all. It is a short ball on middle, Rabada looks to pull but misses. The ball goes onto hit the middle stump. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 107 RUNS.
Adam Zampa to Tabraiz Shamsi. Flatter one on middle, Shamsi flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada. Flighted on off, pushed to cover for a single.
Adam Zampa back on. 2-0-7-1 so far.
Ashton Agar to Tabraiz Shamsi. Full on off, Shamsi pushes it to cover. 4-0-24-5 for Agar, the best figures in a T20I by an Australian!
Ashton Agar to Kagiso Rabada. Flighted ball on off, Rabada pushes it to deep cover for a single.
Ashton Agar to Kagiso Rabada. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Ashton Agar to Tabraiz Shamsi. Short delivery outside off, Shamsi punches it to the deep cover region for a single.
Ashton Agar to Tabraiz Shamsi. Missed by a whisker! Flatter one on off, Shamsi looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in.
Ashton Agar to Lungi Ngidi. OUT! CAUGHT! 5-fer for Agar! What a bowling performance from the left-arm spinner! This is a night that he will remember for a long time. Floated on middle, Ngidi looks to lift it over long on. He has neither got the distance neither got the elevation on it. Warner settles himself and takes a simple catch.
Kane Richardson to Kagiso Rabada. SIX! That has gone miles. A short ball, around middle, Rabada swivels and pulls it high and handsome over fine leg.
Kane Richardson to Lungi Ngidi. Outside off, hacked straight back to the bowler. Richardson leaps to his right and parries it to short mid-wicket. A single taken.
Kane Richardson to Lungi Ngidi. A short ball outside off, now Lungi looks to hook but misses.
Kane Richardson to Lungi Ngidi. Short and outside off, Ngidi looks to cut but is defeated by the extra bounce.
Kane Richardson to Lungi Ngidi. Yorker, outside off, pushed towards mid on.
Kane Richardson to Kagiso Rabada. A length ball, outside off, angling away, dabbed uppishly towards third man for a single.
Kane Richardson is back on. 2-0-12-0 are his figures so far.
Lungi Ngidi is the new man in.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. OUT! TIMBER! There goes the final nail in the coffin and Agar gets his fourth of the night! Australia just two wickets away from a crushing victory here. An arm ball from Agar on the leg stump line, Biljon goes on his knees and then looks to sweep but he misses and ball goes onto hit the leg stump. Looked good while he was out there in his debut innings.
Ashton Agar to Kagiso Rabada. Shorter delivery outside off, Rabada punches it to deep cover for a single.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. Flatter one on middle, van Biljon flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. EDGY FOUR! Just wide of first slip. Agar dishes another flat one on off, van Biljon looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes past the diving first slip fielder. It races to the third man fence.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. Flatter one on middle, van Biljon pushes it back to the bowler.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. MISFIELD! Floated on on off, Pite pushes it towards cover where the fielder misfields allowing the batters to take a couple.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. Yorker outside off, Rabada looks to drive but the ball sneaks under his bat and goes to the keeper.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. Good length ball outside off, Rabada looks to drive without moving his feet but the ball whizzes past the bat and goes into the keeper's gloves.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. FIVE WIDES! That is uncharacteristic from Alex Carey! Starc dishes a full one down the leg side. Carey bends but fails to collect it. The ball races to the fine leg region for five wides.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. Short ball outside off, Rabada makes room and looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. FOUR! Beautifully played! Full on middle, Rabada just flicks it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. WIDE! Fullish delivery down the leg side, Rabada looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. On a length, around off, watchfully defended.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. Goes for the yorker. But ends up dishing a high full toss. Rabada is surprised but manages to fend it back to the bowler.
Mitchell Starc is back on. 2-0-13-1 so far. Can he nail those yorkers?
Ashton Agar to Kagiso Rabada. Outside off, pushed to the off side for a single.
Ashton Agar to Kagiso Rabada. SIX! Whacked! Loopy delivery on middle, Rabada goes on his knees and sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket region for a maximum. The first of the innings!
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. Short ball on off, Pite pushes it to deep cover for a single.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. A big appeal for LBW turned down! Flatter one on middle, van Biljon looks to sweep but it seems to have hit him on the pads. Agar appeals but the umpire is not interested. Finch is interested in the review but Agar immediately signals height.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. Flatter one on off, Pite punches it to the off side.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. FOUR! So close to the mid off fielder but it goes just over. Floated ball on off, van Biljon lifts it over mid off. The fielder jumps up but the ball goes over him and into the fence. 50 up for the hosts.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada. Flatter one on the pads, Rabada works it to the leg side.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada. Loopy delivery on off, Rabada prods forward and defends it out.
Adam Zampa to Pite van Biljon. On middle, tucked to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada. Floated on middle, Rabada flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada. Flatter one on off, Rabada defends it out.
Adam Zampa to Pite van Biljon. Flatter one on middle, Pite sweeps it to fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada walks in now.
Ashton Agar to Dale Steyn. OUT! CAUGHT! HAT-TRICK FOR ASHTON AGAR! Second Aussie to achieve this feat. First to do it was Brett Lee, against Bangladesh. Agar is flying and so is Finch. What a catch by the bubble-gum man. Superb. Beautiful bowling by Agar, keeping it full and just outside off. Steyn is lured into the drive and the outside edge is taken. Alex Carey does well to keep his gloves out of the way and Aaron Finch at first slip reacts swiftly to take a catch with his left hand. Excellent teamwork. The crowd is stunned into silence.
Dale Steyn walks in now, to face the hat-trick ball.
Ashton Agar to Andile Phehlukwayo. OUT! LBW! It is all reds and Agar gets another one. He will be on a Hat-trick the next ball. Brilliant stuff. 44 for 6 in no time are the Proteas. Flighted ball on the pads, Phehlukwayo looks to flick but it hits the pads on the full. Agar and the rest of his teammates appeal. The umpire obliges and raises the dreaded finger. Phehlukwayo goes for the review but to no avail as the Ball Tracker shows that it is in line and going onto hit the stumps.
Well, Andile has gone first ball! He has taken the LBW review though. Did it pitch outside leg? Doesn't seem so, as per the replays. Looks pretty good. No inside edge on the Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows it to be pitching in line and hitting the leg stump. Golden duck for Andile. Review lost as well.
Andile Phehlukwayo walks in.
Ashton Agar to Faf du Plessis. OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa have lost half their side now and they still have a long way to go. Flighted ball outside off, du Plessis dances down the track and looks to lift it over the off side. He miscues it and the ball goes straight into the hands of Kane Richardson at deep cover. Nothing but a miracle can save South Africa here.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. Floated on the pads, Pite works it to square leg for a single.
Ashton Agar to Pite van Biljon. Loopy delivery on off, van Biljon pushes it to cover.
Ashton Agar to Faf du Plessis. Flatter one outside off, du Plessis punches it to deep cover for a single.
Ashton Agar now, to make it spin from both ends.
Adam Zampa to Faf du Plessis. Loopy one on middle, du Plessis works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Faf du Plessis. Flatter one on off, Faf pushes it to the cover region.
Adam Zampa to Pite van Biljon. Full one on off, Pite gets off the mark in international T20s with a gentle push to long off for a single.
Adam Zampa to Pite van Biljon. Flatter one on middle, van Biljon defends it out.
Debutant Pite van Biljon walks in at number 6, replacing Miller.
Adam Zampa to David Miller. OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The googly from Zampa has got Miller. Superb ball, excellent take. The wrong 'un is pitched outside off and Miller looks to defend. The ball goes behind, off something and Carey celebrates. Zampa does not even bother appealing. Someone does and it is the man at first slip. The umpire, as if waiting for someone to appeal, raises his finger in a flash. Faf du Plessis stops his partner, asks him whether he nicked it but Miller nods his head and continues his walk. 4 down inside 7 overs. South Africa need a partnership. A massive understatement. 157 more needed from 82 balls.
Adam Zampa to David Miller. Around middle, Miller flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Spin time. Adam Zampa into the attack.
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. Outside off, beautifully punched through the covers but straight to Aaron Finch at short extra cover. 38/3 for the Proteas in the Powerplay, compared to the Aussies' 70/1.
David 'Killer' Miller walks out to the middle now.
Pat Cummins to JJ Smuts. OUT! CAUGHT! That run out chance hasn't cost the Aussies much! Short delivery does the trick. It is bowled around middle and leg, Smuts looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and towards fine leg. Zampa runs across, tumbles and takes a very good catch. It almost pops out but Adam still manages to hold onto it. Three wickets inside the Powerplay for Australia. The hosts need something special to make a comeback in this game.
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. Short of a length ball on middle, du Plessis pulls it to square leg for a single.
Pat Cummins to JJ Smuts. Run out chance missed! Cummins bowls a full delivery on off, Smuts drives it towards mid off and takes off for a single. Warner comes ahead and collects. He takes a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Had he hit, Smuts was a goner.
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. Good length ball on middle, du Plessis works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. EDGY! Well fielded! Good length ball outside off, du Plessis looks to defend but it takes the bottom edge and goes towards third man. The fielder dives to make the stop but the batters manage to take a couple.
Kane Richardson to Faf du Plessis. Short of a length outside off, cut to deep point for a single.
Kane Richardson to JJ Smuts. On a length on off, Smuts punches it to deep cover for a single.
Kane Richardson to Faf du Plessis. Fullish outside off, Faf drives it to cover where Finch makes a half stop. The ball rolls to mid off allowing the batters to take a single.
Kane Richardson to Faf du Plessis. Full delivery outside off, du Plessis looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and rolls back to the bowler.
Kane Richardson to JJ Smuts. Back of a length ball on off, Smuts pushes it to the point region for a single.
Kane Richardson to JJ Smuts. FOUR! Welcome back into the attack, Mr. Richardson! Short ball on middle, Smuts pulls it with full authority towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Kane Richardson is back on. 1-0-4-0 are his figures so far.
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. FOUR! And again! A length ball, outside off, Faf gets across and plays a better connecting paddle. Beats short fine leg once more!
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. FOUR! Innovative! A length ball, on middle, Faf gets across and paddles it to the right of short fine leg!
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. Outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover.
Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis. A length ball, outside off, du Plessis gets across to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Cummins appeals but the umpire turns it down. Going down leg perhaps.
JJ Smuts is the next man in.
Pat Cummins to Rassie van der Dussen. OUT! CAUGHT! Magnificent catch from Starc. These kind of skiers are not easy to take but Starc has done an incredible job. Good length ball outside off, van der Dussen moves inside his crease and then looks to lift it over the cover region. The ball takes the top edge and goes towards third man. Starc watches the ball carefully and then dives forward to take the catch. Two early wickets for the Aussies and this is a terrific start for the visitors.
Pat Cummins to Rassie van der Dussen. Cummins starts with a length ball on off, Rassie blocks it to point off the back foot.
Pat Cummins into the attack now.
Mitchell Starc to Faf du Plessis. FOUR! Good end to the over for the Proteas! Full down the leg side, du Plessis just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Faf du Plessis. BEATEN! Excellent bowling from Starc. Back of a length ball around off, du Plessis looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the bat and into the mitts of the keeper.
Mitchell Starc to Faf du Plessis. WIDE! First one of the innings. Fullish delivery way outside off, du Plessis leaves it alone.
Mitchell Starc to Rassie van der Dussen. Shortish outside off, van der Dussen looks to cut but it takes the outside edge and goes towards third man. A single taken.
Mitchell Starc to Rassie van der Dussen. EDGY FOUR! Shouts of catch it but it goes over the keeper and into the fence! Short delivery down the leg side, van der Dussen looks to pull but it goes over the keeper's head and into the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Rassie van der Dussen. On a length on off, Rassie stands tall and then defends it back to the bowler.
Mitchell Starc to Rassie van der Dussen. Full delivery outside off, du Plessis leaves the ball alone.
Kane Richardson to Rassie van der Dussen. Back of a length on the pads, van der Dussen works it to deep square leg for a single.
Kane Richardson to Rassie van der Dussen. Play and a miss! Short ball outside off, Rassie looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
Kane Richardson to Rassie van der Dussen. Outside off, van der Dussen pushes it to mid off.
Kane Richardson to Faf du Plessis. EDGY! On a length on off, du Plessis comes down the track and looks to heave it away. The ball takes the inside edge and goes towards square leg. A single taken.
Kane Richardson to Faf du Plessis. On a length on off, du Plessis defends it to the cover region.
Kane Richardson to Faf du Plessis. Misfield from Zampa! Good length ball, swinging in, Faf works it to fine leg where Zampa tumbles but fails to stop it. The ball goes past him allowing the batters to take a couple.
Kane Richardson to bowl from the other end.
Mitchell Starc to Rassie van der Dussen. A fuller ball now, swinging in, van der Dussen is beaten by pace as he is late in his flick. Is hit on the pads but well outside leg. No appeal this time. A fiery opening over from Starc.
Mitchell Starc to Faf du Plessis. Landed outside off, steered to third man for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Faf du Plessis. Huge shout for LBW! Turned down. Height was the issue perhaps. A length ball, around off, cutting back in, Faf stays back and looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Starc appeals but the umpire says no. Finch straightaway declines the review request, indicating height. Ball Tracker proves that he is right.
Faf du Plessis is the new man in.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. OUT! TIMBER! What a beauty from Starc! Brilliant delivery from him. Full delivery on middle and leg, with some swing away from the batsman. Quinton de Kock looks to flick but is early into the shot as the ball seemed to get stuck on the surface. He does not account for the swing either. The ball goes onto hit the middle stump. Just the start that Australia needed. De Kock looks at the pitch, staring at it for a while and then trudges off. He keeps on looking back to check at the replays, still bemused.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. On a length on off, de Kock punches it to cover off the back foot.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Lovely shot first up! Good length ball on off, de Kock punches it through the point region. Marsh comes across from third man and makes a diving stop. The umpire refers it upstairs to check whether it is a clean save and the replays show that it is.
We are back for the chase! The Australian players make their way out to the field with Quinton de Kock, the Protea skipper and Rassie van der Dussen following them out. Mitchell Starc will start with the ball for the visitors.