South Africa bowled out Australia for 178 in 20 overs in the first T20I at Darwin — marking the first time they have dismissed Australia entirely in a men’s T20 International.
After Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field, South Africa struck early through Kagiso Rabada, who removed Travis Head (2) and Mitchell Marsh (13) inside the powerplay. George Linde dismissed Josh Inglis for a golden duck, while Lungi Ngidi claimed the dangerous Cameron Green for 35 (13).
Australia were reeling at 75/6 after just 7.4 overs following quick strikes from Kwena Maphaka, who bowled Mitchell Owen (2) and later dismissed Glenn Maxwell (1) with the help of Senuran Muthusamy.
The innings was rescued by Tim David, who played a brilliant counterattacking knock of 83 off 52 balls, hitting four fours and eight sixes — including a massive 109-metre six that landed on the stadium roof. He shared a 59-run stand with Ben Dwarshuis (17) to push the total towards respectability.
Kwena Maphaka finished with exceptional figures of 4/20, the best bowling performance by a South African against Australia in T20Is. Rabada took 2/29, while Linde, Ngidi and Muthusamy chipped in with a wicket each.
The innings ended in the final over when Nathan Ellis (12) was run out by Corbin Bosch, sealing a historic moment — South Africa bowling out Australia for the first time in their men’s T20I history.
Australia 1st innings – key highlights:
-
Total: 178 all out in 20 overs
-
Top scorer: Tim David – 83 (52) [4×4, 8×6]
-
Partnerships: 59 (David–Dwarshuis), 30 (David–Ellis)
-
Bowling highlight: Kwena Maphaka – 4/20 (4 overs) – best figures for SA vs AUS in T20Is
-
Milestone: First time South Africa have bowled out Australia in a men’s T20I
