Australia Beat South Africa for Record Ninth Consecutive T20I Victory
Australia claimed their ninth consecutive T20I victory, setting a new national record with a 17-run win over South Africa. This result was achieved despite the home side being reduced to 75 for 6 in the early stages. Tim David’s brilliant 83 off 52 balls and his 59-run partnership with Ben Dwarshuis proved decisive, guiding Australia to 178. It became their lowest successful defence against South Africa in T20I history.
Tim David’s Match-Winning Knock
A top-order collapse left Australia in deep trouble, but David’s calculated aggression changed the game. His eight sixes, including powerful strikes off Maphaka and Bosch, kept the scoreboard moving. Furthermore, South Africa’s fielding errors — including a crucial dropped catch when David was on 56 — allowed him to add another 27 runs. His efforts ensured Australia batted out the full innings and posted a defendable score.
South Africa’s Missed Chances
South Africa dropped four catches, bowled well in patches, yet lacked power hitting. They managed only two sixes compared to Australia’s 13. Ryan Rickelton’s 71 anchored the chase, but partnerships failed to deliver the needed momentum. By the time George Linde arrived, the equation had climbed to 59 off 33 balls. Hazlewood’s timely breakthroughs in the 15th over dismantled their hopes.
Bowling Brilliance Seals the Game
Josh Hazlewood finished with 3 for 27, removing key batters including Markram, Stubbs, and Linde. Adam Zampa struck twice in two balls, triggering a collapse of four wickets for three runs. Dwarshuis also claimed three wickets, maintaining pressure until the final overs.
Maxwell’s All-Round Impact
Glenn Maxwell, batting at No. 7, contributed with both ball and fielding. He bowled four disciplined overs for 1 for 29 and dismissed Pretorius with a clever full delivery. His fielding highlight came in the final over, executing a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Rickelton. This moment effectively sealed Australia’s record-breaking win.
