AUS vs SA 2nd T20I Match Preview: Australia Eye T20I Series Win in Darwin as South Africa Battle for Survival
Hosts lead 2-0 in the five-match series, while the Proteas must win to keep their hopes alive
Australia and South Africa meet on Tuesday at Marrara Stadium, Darwin for the second T20I of the three-match series, with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead after taking the opener.
The home side is riding a nine-match T20I winning streak, fresh off a 5-0 sweep of West Indies, and will look to clinch the series, while South Africa must win to force a decider.
The Marrara surface has proved batting-friendly, with a quick outfield and small boundaries making strokeplay rewarding, though pacers found some new-ball assistance in the first match. Historically, chasing teams have enjoyed success here.
In the opener, Australia recovered from 75/6 thanks to Tim David’s 83 off 52 balls, posting 178. South African teenager Kwena Maphaka starred with 4/20, the best T20I bowling figures for his country against Australia. Ryan Rickelton’s 71 off 55 balls kept the chase alive, but Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis claimed three wickets each to seal the win.
Australia vs South Africa Head-to-head Records ahead of 2nd T20I:
South Africa trail 8–18 overall in T20Is against Australia, and 2–6 in away matches down under.
Probable Playing XIs for 2nd T20I
Australia:
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa:
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi
