Darwin, August 10, 2025 — Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series after a thrilling 17-run victory against South Africa at Marrara Oval. Tim David was the standout performer, smashing 83 off 52 balls to rescue Australia from a shaky start and set up a defendable total.
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| Australia Won by 17 Runs |
Full Scorecard
Australia Innings — 178 all out in 20 overs
Tim David: 83 (52)
Cameron Green: 29 (13)
Kwena Maphaka: 4/20
Kagiso Rabada: 2/29
South Africa Innings — 161/9 in 20 overs
Ryan Rickelton: 71 (55)
Tristan Stubbs: 37 (27)
Josh Hazlewood: 3/27
Ben Dwarshuis: 3/26
Result: Australia won by 17 runs.
Series: Australia lead 1-0 in 3-match series.
Key Moments of the Match
Early Collapse for Australia: South Africa’s pace attack reduced the hosts to 75/5, with Kwena Maphaka’s fiery spell putting Australia under pressure.
Tim David’s Counterattack: Coming in at a crunch moment, David smashed 8 sixes and stitched vital lower-order partnerships to lift Australia to 178.
Maphaka’s Magic: The 19-year-old quick was sensational with figures of 4/20, including key wickets in the powerplay and death overs.
South Africa’s Wobble: Chasing 179, SA lost early wickets, including skipper Aiden Markram for just 12.
Rickelton’s Resistance: Ryan Rickelton fought back with a fluent 71 off 47, but lacked support from the middle order.
Hazlewood & Dwarshuis Seal It: Australia’s death bowling duo shut the door on South Africa’s chase, securing the 17-run win.
Match Summary
This match had everything T20 fans love—quick wickets, explosive batting, and pressure-filled death overs. While South Africa showed promise through Maphaka’s bowling and Rickelton’s batting, Australia’s ability to recover from an early collapse and defend under pressure proved decisive.
The second T20I will be a must-win for South Africa to stay alive in the series.
FAQs – AUS vs SA 1st T20I, Darwin
Q1: Who won the 1st T20I between Australia and South Africa in 2025?
A: Australia won by 17 runs at Marrara Oval, Darwin.
Q2: Who was the top scorer in the match?
A: Tim David top-scored with 83 runs off 52 balls for Australia.
Q3: Who took the most wickets in the match?
A: Kwena Maphaka (South Africa) took 4 wickets for 20 runs.
Q4: What was Ryan Rickelton’s score in the 1st T20I?
A: Ryan Rickelton scored 71 runs off 52 balls.
Q5: What is the current series score after the first T20I?
A: Australia lead the three-match T20I series 1-0.
