It was not the start that the South African cricket team was looking for after suffering a five-wicket defeat to Australia in their opening match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday, October 23.
The South Africans who were asked to bat first in Abu Dhabi started off bad, losing three wickets after 4.1 overs. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma went for 12 as he was bowled by Glenn Maxwell. Josh Hazlewood also struck twice in his first two overs and finished with figures of 2-19 from his four.
Proteas No 4 Aiden Markram then played a lone hand, scoring 40 off 36 deliveries before falling victim to a Mitchell Starc delivery.
#Australia‘s chase starts with 2 runs off the first over.
117 required off 19 overs.#AUSvSA #T20WorldCup
— SA Cricket Magazine (@SACricketmag) October 23, 2021
Chasing an “easy” 119 for victory, Australia was in trouble at 81-5 after Steve Smith who scored 35 off 34 balls and Maxwell 18 off 21 departed early as the Proteas somehow gained momentum.
However, it was Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade who stood firm before Stoinis secured the victory for the Aussies with two balls to spare.
#Australia win by 5 wickets.#AUSvSA #T20WorldCup
— SA Cricket Magazine (@SACricketmag) October 23, 2021
The Proteas will now come up against the West Indies on Tuesday, October 26, before facing Sri Lanka on the 30th.
Also read :
Picture: SA Cricket Magazine