The three-match T20I series between Australia and hosts South Africa kicked off at the Kingmead Stadium in Durban on Wednesday and the second fixture will be played on Friday.
Aiden Markram is leading the home side, while Mitchell Marsh is captaining Australia. Crucial figures in the Australian lineup include Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, and Adam Zampa, while the South African team relies on key players such as Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Reeza Hendricks.
Australia is returning to T20I action for the first time since the T20 World Cup last year. They have opted to give some of their regular players a break for this series, and notable absences include Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith due to injuries. Additionally, this marks Mitchell Marsh’s inaugural series as captain in T20I cricket.
South Africa has been away from international cricket for almost five months. In their most recent T20I series, they faced a 1-2 defeat to West Indies. While their primary focus is on the ODI World Cup, the Proteas intend to use the shortest format as an opportunity to evaluate some of their lesser experienced players.
The average first-innings score on this wicket is 141 runs. Teams that bat second have an impressive track record at this venue, boasting a 60% winning rate. The weather looks clear for the upcoming fixture. Dew and a flat track make bowling a better option.
The pitch at Kingsmead offers an equilibrium, providing reasonable support to both batsmen and bowlers. Anticipated conditions suggest it will initially favor swing bowlers, while spinners are likely to be highly effective during the middle overs.
What has happened so far?
The first T20I in this tour of Australia of South Africa, Australia thrashed South Africa with a 111-run win. Australia went on to give a massive target of 227 runs in their 20 overs by losing six wickets. Captain Mitchell Marsh outshined with a solid innings of 92 runs and went unbeaten. Tim David worked as his close ally with a quick 64-run knock.
Only Lizaad Williams was able to bag three wickets for South Africa in the first innings. Other than Reeza Hendricks with his 56-run knock, no other batter was able to stand up for South Africa. Australia bundled the Proteas for 115 runs in 15.3 overs. Now Australia is one up in the three-match T20I series against South Africa.
Head to Head Record
Australia leads the Proteas in the head-to-head record
Australia and South Africa have played a total of 23 matches against each other in the shortest format of cricket and Australia has now won 15 matches including the first T20I of this series while South Africa has eight wins to their name against the Kangaroos.
Australia has recorded five wins on their home soil while South Africa has won six of their eight fixtures against Australia at home.
Key Players
Dewald Brevis (South Africa): Dewald Brevis, who has been recognized as a promising talent for some time, will now have his chance to shine, especially with experienced players like David Miller absent from the lineup.
Brevis possesses a diverse array of shots, and if he performs well, it could significantly boost South Africa’s confidence for the coming decade. The 20-year-old batter only scored five runs in the first T20I against Australia but still has the potential to overturn his form in the second match of the series.
Travis Head (Australia): Having featured in all six Tests in the United Kingdom, Travis Head maintains his spot in the T20 squad and stands out as one of the more experienced players in the team.
This will bring some additional duties to his plate, and he promises to be an exciting player to observe in the forthcoming matches. Although the southpaw scored only six runs in the first T20I against South Africa, his past records are proof of his calibre, which can be indeed shown in the upcoming matches of this series.
Predicted XIs
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram ©, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Tristin Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Sisanda Magala
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh ©, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha
Prediction
Australia’s form in the first match was incredible in an away fixture. They have a strong side and can also take away a victory in the second T20I too. Both teams are introducing fresh players into their lineup, but given the advantage of playing on their home turf, South Africa might have a slight upper hand.
The second T20I will be a do-or-die for South Africa, so they will be giving more than 100% on their home ground. Both the teams have some new faces in the lineup and look balanced on paper to give another thrilling contest.