David and Hazlewood shine as Australia sets a new record with nine straight wins in T20I matches

David and Hazlewood shine as Australia sets a new record with nine straight wins in T20I matches

Tim David's explosive 83 off 52 balls rescued Australia from a shaky start, setting the target at 179. Teen sensation Kwena Maphaka impressed with a four-wicket haul for South Africa. Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis shared six wickets to restrict the Proteas to 161/9

Australia extended their T20I winning streak to a record nine matches with a thrilling victory over South Africa, defending their lowest-ever total successfully. Despite a fiery start, they collapsed to 75 for 6 inside eight overs. But Tim David’s outstanding 83 off 52 balls, along with a crucial 59-run partnership with Ben Dwarshuis, helped them reach a competitive score. Captain Mitchell Marsh continued his impressive run, now having won 22 out of 25 matches as T20I skipper.

South Africa had their chances but let the game slip through their fingers. They dropped four catches, including one when David was on 56, which proved costly. Although they managed to bowl Australia out for the first time in 26 T20I meetings, their batting lacked firepower. Young left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka was a bright spot, becoming the youngest bowler from a Full Member nation to take four wickets in a T20I. Still, it wasn’t enough to keep Australia within reach.

The difference in power hitting was clear South Africa hit just two sixes, while Australia smashed 13, with David alone contributing eight. South Africa’s batting order seemed thin, and by the time George Linde came in at No. 6, they needed 59 runs off 33 balls. Josh Hazlewood broke the key partnership of 72 between Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs and ended with figures of 3 for 26. Adam Zampa also struck twice in two balls, triggering a collapse where South Africa lost four wickets for just three runs. Rickelton fought till the final over but was caught brilliantly by Glenn Maxwell on the boundary. Dwarshuis also picked up three wickets, and South Africa fell short by 17 runs.

Australia’s innings began with aggressive intent. Marsh hit a six off the first ball, and they scored 71 runs in the powerplay their second-highest against South Africa. Rabada bowled well early, dismissing Travis Head and keeping things tight. But once Marsh got out, Tim David took charge, punishing loose deliveries and lifting the scoring rate.

After the powerplay, Maphaka and spinner Senuran Muthusamy slowed things down. Muthusamy bowled with great control, dismissing Maxwell and finishing with 1 for 24 from his four overs. His tight lines and smart variations helped South Africa regain some control during the middle overs.

Tim David’s innings were the turning point. At 75 for 6, Australia looked in trouble, but David’s powerful hitting changed the game. He was especially strong against short balls, hitting several sixes in front of the square. After being dropped on 56, he added 27 more runs and was eventually dismissed with 10 balls left in the innings, having done enough to give Australia a defendable total.

Glenn Maxwell, usually an opener, batted at No. 7 but made a big impact with the ball and in the field. He bowled four overs, took a wicket, and held two crucial catches. His clever bowling setup led to the dismissal of Pretorius, and he kept Rickelton quiet during his spell.

Hazlewood returned to the side and made an immediate impact. He dismissed Aiden Markram early and later broke the Rickelton-Stubbs partnership, which was threatening to take the game away. In the final over, Maxwell pulled off a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Rickelton, sealing the win for Australia in style.