Despite the fact that the equinox of the southern hemisphere is still three weeks away, September 1 is observed as the beginning of the changing of the seasons in this region of the world, and it was Australia who left with a spring in their step after winning the T20I series in Durban.
They chased down 165 with more than five overs to spare in the second T20I, indicating their depth is significantly greater than that of their hosts, after defending 226 in the first T20I.
Australia’s new captain Mitchell Marsh, who has not yet been dismissed in this series, stood out in both games. The South African attack’s inconsistency was highlighted for the second straight game as he followed up his unbeaten 92 with 76 not out in the chase and shared a century stand with Matthew Short.
Australia made it difficult for South Africa to score runs early on by allowing Sean Abbott to concede at 5.50 runs per over and Nathan Ellis and Jason Behrendorff at 6.25. Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram’s 51-run fifth-wicket partnership kept them in check over the middle overs, and Markram and Gerald Coetzee’s 41-run partnership provided the innings some late momentum, but it was never going to be enough given how Australia batted on Wednesday.
Lungi Ngidi, the most seasoned bowler for South Africa, has allowed the most runs in the series thus far, and his variations have not threatened enough. Likewise, the back-up seam alternatives lack the self-discipline needed to hold their own. Australia’s speed attack, in comparison, was impressive and cutting, and it kept South Africa in check for the majority of the innings.
Temba Bavuma’s scorching cameo, which took the Australians off guard, helped South Africa get off to a flying start when they were put into bat. The opening three overs produced a flurry of boundaries as the opener demonstrated intent from the outset and backed it up with precise strokeplay.
Abbott, leading Australia’s comeback, ended Bavuma’s stay by striking off his very first ball. Rassie van der Dussen was quickly eliminated by Jason Behrendorff prior to Ellis’ involvement. The pacer demolished South Africa’s top order by strategically getting rid of Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis off consecutive deliveries.
A 51-run stand between captain Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs, with Stubbs being the aggressor, allowed the Proteas, who were at 46/4, to clearly show that they needed to rebuild. Stubbs was tricked by a slower ball from Behrendorff just as he was about to find his rhythm.
As the game came to a close, Markram played several good cards, but he ran out of allies and lost himself in the attempt to raise the stakes. Lungi Ngidi had to deliver a few blows before the total could go above 160 runs. The batters had very little room to maneuver since Abbott and Ellis played superbly throughout the entire inning.
South Africa might have had hopes of winning the game far down the line after Australia’s pursuit got off to a poor start and Lizaad Williams ended Travis Head’s shaky little effort. The bowling attack was driven into with clinical accuracy by Short and Marsh, but the pair had other plans. They each blasted 15 fours and 10 sixes in the 100-run stand, which required just 45 balls, making it a contest of who could hit the biggest boundaries.
Nothing but Williams and Markram were spared in the execution of the plan, which called for relentless pursuit of the bowlers. Short’s fall just confirmed what had already been determined before. To finish the work quickly, Marsh pressed forward with the assault.
Australia 165 for 2 (Marsh 76, Shamsi 1-40) beat South Africa 164 for 8 (Markram 49, Abbott 3-22) by eight wickets