Australia opted to bowl first in the first match of super 12 against South Africa. Bavuma played a couple of good shots in the very first over against Starc. But an off-break from Maxwell and Bavuma (12) played the wrong line, gets him out. Van Der Dussan (2) was promoted up in the order but Hazlewood gets the outside edge. De Kock (7) attempted a paddle shot but was unlucky, it bounced onto the stumps.
Markram (40) played a useful inning but South Africa could not recover from the early blows. Rabada (19) played a crucial knock towards the end and help South Africa reach 118-9. Hazlewood (2 for 19) and Zampa (2 for 21) were tremendous for Australia today.
Everything has gone right for Australia in the first half but don’t forget South Africa has some good quality bowling. In response Australia had a disastrous start, they lost Finch (0), Warner (14), Marsh (11) for just 38 runs. Australia was in deep trouble. But Steven Smith makes these tricky run chases so easy.
When it was looking easy for Australia, two quick wickets of Smith (35), Maxwell (18) made it tricky for Australia. Nortje (2 for 21), Shamsi (1 for 22) bring South Africa back in the game. But eventually, a small cameo from Stoinis (24) and Wade (15) snatched it back for Australia. Australia beat South Africa by 5 wickets.
