South Africa vs Australia 1st T20I: Mitchell Marsh, Tanveer Sangha star in massive win for Aussies

Australia delivered a clinical performance in the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa, securing a commanding victory. They achieved their largest-ever margin of triumph over South Africa, winning by a significant 111 runs at Kingsmead in Durban.

South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, choosing to bowl first on the favourable batting pitch at Kingsmead, turned out to be a nightmarish experience for the home team as Mitchell Marsh and Tim David wreaked havoc on the South African bowlers.

In the early stages of the innings, Australian batters got off to a strong start but lost three wickets, including Travis Head, debutant Matthew Short, and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, within the first six overs. However, Mitchell Marsh displayed aggressive batting. He received excellent support from Tim David, who partnered with him effectively.

The two batsmen forged a partnership of 97 runs in just 52 balls for the fifth wicket. With Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje absent, the Proteas’ bowlers struggled against the Australian onslaught. Marsh and David guided Australia to their highest T20I score ever, setting a new record at the venue by amassing 70 runs in the powerplay.

Marsh played a heroic unbeaten innings of 92, while Tim David contributed 64 from only 28 balls. Debutant Aaron Hardie wrapped up the game with a score of 23 off 14, helping set a massive target of 226 runs for South Africa to chase.

Facing a target of 227 on the favourable batting pitch, South Africa needed an aggressive approach against the Australian bowlers from the start. However, the risk of early wicket losses was always present and unfortunately materialized. The Proteas continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Reeza Hendricks emerged as the top scorer for South Africa, with no other batsmen providing substantial support. Debutant Tanveer Sangha inflicted the most damage on South Africa, taking four wickets for 31 runs. He narrowly missed breaking the record for the best bowling figures by an Australian debutant in T20Is, held by Michael Kasprowicz.

Mitchell Marsh was deservedly named the player of the match for his outstanding batting performance. South Africa will aim for a turnaround in the second game, which will be played at the same venue.