South Africa must chase 158 for victory in the first T20 international against Australia at Kingsmead.
After getting off to a flying start, Australia’s innings crumbled in the space of five overs as they went from 69-1 to 97-5 and eventually finished on 157-9.
Imran Tahir (3-21) and David Wiese (2-16) were the standout bowlers for the Proteas after Australia had achieved a run-rate of 1o an over during the first seven overs.
Aaron Finch was the chief destroyer, smashing 40 off 18 balls including hitting 24 runs off JP Duminy’s first over – 6 6 6 4 0 2.
David Warner managed 20 off 11, but he fell to Wiese’s first ball of the innings when he found Duminy at point with a cut shot gone wrong.
Finch was caught on the boundary by Kagiso Rabada to give Tahir his first wicket, which brought Steve Smith to the crease after he decided to push himself down the order. Smith really struggled and was eventually caught behind off Wiese trying to guide the ball down to third man for a very ineffective six runs from 17 balls.
The dangerous Glenn Maxwell was dropped off his first ball by Quinton de Kock off Tahir, but was caught for 17 trying a big shot but instead hitting the ball high up in the air for Faf du Plessis to catch.
Mitchell Marsh (35 from 25) stepped up to rescue his team from a difficult position. He helped Australia breach the 150-mark before he faltered in the last over.
The highest score that has ever been successfully chased in a T20I in Durban is 151.
Picture: Gallo
