South Africa’s run chase got off to a shaky start as Australia’s bowlers struck three times in the powerplay, leaving the visitors struggling at 48/3 after the first six overs in Darwin.
Skipper Aiden Markram gave the chase an aggressive start, smashing three boundaries in his six-ball stay, but his attempt to take on Josh Hazlewood in the very first over ended in a catch to Cameron Green at mid-off for 12. Lhuan-dre Pretorius continued the counter-attack with two boundaries of his own but fell to Glenn Maxwell’s off-spin in the fifth over, caught by Mitchell Owen for 14. The biggest blow came just before the end of the powerplay, when Dewald Brevis (2 off 6) was caught by substitute Abbott off Ben Dwarshuis, leaving the Proteas with a mountain to climb.
At the six-over mark, Ryan Rickelton (14* off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (0* off 0) were at the crease. The first powerplay ended with a dot ball on 5.6, reflecting Australia’s disciplined finish to the phase. Hazlewood (1/17), Maxwell (1/13), and Dwarshuis (1/17) ensured the scoring rate was kept in check while delivering crucial breakthroughs.
With 131 runs still needed from 84 balls, South Africa will require a steady partnership to get back into the contest.
