Brilliant David downs South Africa: 1st T20 (Darwin)

Tim David had a blinder as Australia defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first T20I at Darwin to take a 1–0 lead in the series.

After a shaky start at 6 for 75, Tim David produced a match-winning knock of 83 from 52 balls, blasting eight sixes and lifting the hosts to 178 all out in 20 overs.

in reply, South Africa’s chase was anchored by Ryan Rickelton’s 71, but Australia’s bowlers—led by Josh Hazlewood (3/27) and Ben Dwarshuis (3/26)—kept the pressure on, restricting the visitors to 161 for 9.

The game’s highlight came in the final over when Glenn Maxwell took a stunning, acrobatic boundary catch to dismiss Rickelton, sealing the result. 

Australia 178 (David 83, Maphaka 4-20) beat South Africa 161 for 9 (Rickelton 71, Dwarshuis 3-26, Hazlewood 3-27) by 17 runs.

Aug 2025