South Africa’s dominance in the first T20I at Darwin continued as Glenn Maxwell’s poor run with the bat extended, leaving Australia reeling at 75/6 in 7.4 overs after being sent in to bat.
Earlier, South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field, a decision quickly justified by early breakthroughs. Kagiso Rabada removed Travis Head for 2 and Mitchell Marsh for 13, while George Linde dismissed Josh Inglis for a golden duck. Kwena Maphaka contributed with two fine catches in the deep before bowling Mitchell Owen for 2 to leave Australia five down.
Maxwell walked in with the innings already in trouble and struggled to find timing. Facing Senuran Muthusamy, the right-hander attempted a drive to a tossed-up delivery outside off but went too hard at it, losing shape and edging to George Linde, who completed an excellent catch. Maxwell managed just 1 run off 5 balls, adding to his lean patch.
At 75/6, Tim David remained at the crease on 19 off 9 balls, but with half the batting lineup back in the pavilion, Australia’s hopes of posting a competitive total rested heavily on his shoulders.
