Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025: Live Match Report, Highlights & Scorecard

Live Match Report: Australia vs South Africa, 1st T20I

Venue: Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin
Toss: South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first

Australia Innings Highlights

• Power-packed Start: Travis Head (returning to the XI) and captain Mitchell Marsh opened aggressively, but South Africa’s four-pronged seam attack (Rabada, Ngidi, Maphaka, Bosch) kept early boundaries in check.

• Tim David’s Blitz: The middle-order exploded thanks to Tim David’s 83 off 45 balls, including 6 sixes, propelling Australia to 166/9. Kwena Maphaka (19-year-old prodigy) dismissed David in the 19th over.

• Collapse Alert: From 140/4, Australia lost 5 wickets for 26 runs, with Rabada (2/28) and Maphaka (3/34) starring for SA.

South Africa’s Bowling Strategy

• Seam-Spin Mix: SA deployed 4 pacers + 4 spinners (including Markram’s offspin). Left-arm spinner George Linde contained Maxwell (7 off 10) at No. 7

• Key Performer: Teenager Kwena Maphaka’s pace and yorkers rattled Australia’s lower order.

South Africa’s Chase (In Progress)

• Target: 167. SA’s new opening pair (Markram & Rickelton) started cautiously against Hazlewood and Zampa.

• Dew Factor: Darwin’s humid conditions may aid batting later.

Context

• This is Australia’s first T20I in Darwin since 2008. A sell-out crowd witnessed the clash 1.

• Both teams are prepping for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Australia eyes a 9th straight T20I win; SA seeks revenge after their WTC Final victory in June 6.

Live Score: Follow ESPNcricinfo or The Indian Express for real-time updates.

Key Players to Watch

• SA: Kagiso Rabada (pace), Dewald Brevis (young gun).

• AUS: Adam Zampa (spin), Josh Hazlewood (economy).

Next Matches: 2nd T20I on August 12, same venue.