After Finch elected to bowl, Aaron Finch went for over 11 in his first over but the move to give Glenn Maxwell the second worked wonders as he struck in his first over. Once the first wicket fell, wickets just kept tumbling. Hazlewood then worked his magic with the new ball. By the end of the first 6, South Africa were already 3 down. Zampa and Cummins then kept the pressure on in the middle overs. Every time a partnership started to build, Australia managed to break it. Starc, who was not a
That is a forgetful way for South Africa to begin their T20 World Cup campaign but the Aussies have started off with a bang! From chasing down a mammoth total in their final warm-up game to being restricted to an under-par total clearly indicates that the South Africans have succumbed to the pressure of the big event. Saying that, take nothing away from the Aussies who were spot on with the ball, except for the first over, Aaron Finch and co. have not put a foot wrong. Sensational stuff from t
For South Africa, just the one batter crossed the 20-run mark and that was Aiden Markram. He though saw wickets losing at the other end. There were a couple of stands that looked like building between him and Heinrich Klaasen and then Markram and David Miller but none kicked on. In the end, it is a poor batting effort from the South Africans.
Now the total is not a big one for the Aussies and they should chase this down. The wicket is slightly on the slower side but the score is still well under par. South Africa do have a fearsome bowling lineup and they will need to pick wickets early on. Will the Aussies make a mockery of the run chase or is there a fightback loading?
Glenn Maxwell is down for a chat. He says that everything went pretty much as per their plans. Adds that he is trying to follow Shane Watson's footsteps and get wickets with the ball. Adds that the pitch is on the slower side but he hopes that they can get to a flying start. Says that South Africa have a world-class bowling attack but a flying start should seal the deal for them.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, NOT ! Two runs to end the innings! Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada heaves it towards deep mid-wicket and looks for the second run. The throw comes in from the deep towards Starc who whips the bails off. The replays show that Tabraiz Shamsi is well inside his crease! South Africa finish with 118/9.
Mitchell Starc to Tabraiz Shamsi, Bye! Full ball, outside off. Tabraiz Shamsi misses his heave and the batters sneak in a bye! Matthew Wade, behind the sticks has a shy at his end but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, ! CAUGHT! South Africa lose another as Starc gets his man! Full ball, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to loft it over cover but it goes off the toe end towards Aaron Finch at covers who does the rest.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback delivery! Starc bowls a pin-point yorker, around leg. Rabada digs it out to the leg side for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, ! A much-needed maximum for South Africa! Starc misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, around middle. Kagiso Rabada hits a one-handed biggie over long on!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to long on and collects a couple.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, way outside off. Kagiso Rabada hangs back and drills it to long off for a run. Another good over for the Aussies as just 5 runs came off it!
Pat Cummins to Anrich Nortje, Wade will not be happy with himself there! Yes, it bounced just in front of him but he would have been expected to stop it. Well wide outside off, Nortje throws his bat at it but misses. Wade does not collect it cleanly and a bye is run.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Leg bye! Full ball, down leg. Kagiso Rabada backs away to flick but he misses and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A slower bumper, around leg. Kagiso Rabada ducks under it.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A full toss, on middle. Kagiso Rabada looks to go over long on but it goes off the inner half of the blade to wide of long on for a couple of runs.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A yorker, around middle. Kagiso Rabada digs it out watchfully.
Change. Pat Cummins (3-0-14-1) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, Good running! A low full toss, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to drive but gets the outside edge towards third man for a couple. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Length ball, around off. Rabada looks to loft it but it goes off the outer half towards deep cover for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Play and a miss! Good-length ball, outside off. Kagiso Rabada looks to slog it but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Yorker-length ball, on middle and leg. Kagiso Rabada digs it out on the leg side.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! TAKEN! A huge wicket in the context of this game as the set batter in Aiden Markram walks back to the hut! Full ball, darted on the pads. Markram flicks it uppishly and the ball goes straight to Glenn Maxwell at deep mid-wicket who takes a simple catch. A day to to forget so far for the Proteas!
Anrich Nortje walks out to bat.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to cover.
Change in bowling. Mitchell Starc (2-0-19-0) comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback from Hazlewood! Another yorker, on middle. Kagiso Rabada squeezes it out back to the bowler. 12 runs off the over!
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Well bowled! Yorker-length delivery, around off. Kagiso Rabada digs it out towards cover.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, ! Nicely done! Short of a length, just outside off. Kagiso Rabada stays back and whacks it over mid off for a boundary.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Good-length ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada blocks it back to the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram drags it to long on and takes a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Wide! Full and too wide, outside off. Aiden Markram lets it be. Wided!
Bowling change. Josh Hazlewood to bowl out now.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, ! WOW! What a clean strike! Back of a length, on middle. Aiden Markram stands tall and sends it sailing way, way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie!
Change.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, A really full one, a yorker to end his spell. Rabada jams it out. He wants a run but is sent back. Excellent from Zampa. 4-0-21-2 for him.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Shorter and quite wide outside off, Markram cuts but can't get it past point.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, On middle, Rabada works it down to long on and gets to the other end. He is off the mark.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, Flatter and on middle, it is blocked.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Markram comes down the track and works it through mid-wicket for one. He holds the key now, has to be there till the end.
The physio is out for the mandatory concussion test as Kagiso Rabada has been struck on his helmet. He looks fine though and we are good to resume!
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Punched to covers.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Short ball, on off. Rabada looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Left alone.
Kagiso Rabada walks out to bat at number 9.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, ! Dear, oh dear! Things go from bad to worse for the Proteas! Length ball, on off. Pushed to point by Maharaj. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and the fielder backing up misses too. The ball goes to long on and Maharaj looks to sneak in a single. He is way down the track but Markam is not interested. Maharaj tries to get back but he slips in the middle of the pitch. Maxwell throws a wide throw to Wade. The keeper collects it and runs Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat now. Also, Pat Cummins (2-0-13-1) comes back to bowl.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller ball, on off. Maharaj blocks it to cover.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Markram hits it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, ! TAKEN! The leggie gets another and the procession for the Proteas continues! Flatter ball, outside off. Dwaine Pretorius looks to cut it but gets the outside edge. Matthew Wade does well behind the stumps and takes a sharp catch. 5 runs and 2 wickets from that over!
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Googly again. But this is played to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, Googly, around off. Dwaine Pretorius chops it past covers for one.
Dwaine Pretorius is the new man in.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, ! LBW! That looked plumb and the TV umpire confirms the same! Tossed up, around leg. Miller looks to sweep it away but gets no bat on it. The ball hits the pads and it looks plumb. The finger goes up but Miller reviews it right away. There is no bat on that one and Ball Tracker shows three reds! The southpaw takes the long walk back to the hut and the Aussies are delighted!
Review time! David Miller has opted for a review as he has been adjudged LBW!
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Loopy ball, on off. Miller drives it past the diving cover fielder for a couple.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Just a single as this is hit to long off.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa!
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Short of a length, on leg. Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Josh Hazlewood (2-1-1-2) is back on.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, A touch fuller, on leg. Miller works it towards fine leg for a couple.
A run out decision has been sent upstairs! David Miller is well inside his crease as showed in the replay.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, around off. Punched down to long on for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Length ball, on the pads. Miller flicks it away for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, on off. Hit to mid off for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, NOT ! Length ball, on off. Miller chops it back towards the bowler. Wade runs in and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. The TV umpire is called in but Miller is well inside the crease. One taken.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, ! Welcome boundary and Maxwell is gutted with himself! He ends his spell with a short one well outside off, Markram cuts it through point and bags a boundary. 8 from his last over but a good spell from him. 4-0-24-1 for him.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, That is lovely work from Maxwell! Miller would have had to walk back had that hit. On middle, this is worked towards the leg side. Miller goes for one. The bowler gets to the ball in no time and as he turns, fires it towards the bowler's end but misses the stumps.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, This time he connects with the flick shot and it goes through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Almost! This lands on off and turns back in a touch. Markram looks to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Slightly shorter in length and on middle, Miller pulls it through square leg for another single.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Sees Markram come down the track and shortens the length, it is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Two dots in a row to end! A tidy over from Zampa! On middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Flatter and on the pads, Miller once again tries to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Slightly shorter again and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Was that a chance? No, it was hit right into the ground! Fuller and on off, Miller hits it back to the left of the bowler. Zampa dives and gets two hands to it but does not hang on. It goes towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break! Australia have been brilliant with the ball and in the field until the halfway mark and South Africa have just not found any momentum in the middle. They would hope that the batters at the crease right now take the game deep from here on! Adam Zampa (1-0-9-0) comes back into the attack.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Really good running! On the pads, this is worked between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Two taken.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, A little too straight, on the pads, Miller looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Floats it up on off, Miller pushes it down to long off and takes one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Floats it up on off, it is flicked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Markram will feel he missed out there! Shorter and on off, this is pushed hard but to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Another single! Angled into the pads, Miller nudges it towards mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On middle, Miller works it nicely wide of long on and takes two.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On the pads, Miller works it to short fine leg.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A yorker on the pads, finally Starc bowls a good delivery. Markram looks to jam it out but it goes off the leading edge to point.
Mitchell Starc to David Miller, A full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A slower bumper now and on middle, Markram gently pulls it down to fine leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! Starc has been guilty of being way too full. Again he serves a half volley outside off, Markram strokes it beautifully through wide mid off for a boundary. Fifty up for South Africa.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Starc goes full but on the pads, Markram works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Length and on off, angling away, it is guided to point.
David Miller is the next batter. Also, Mitchell Starc is back on. He went for 11 in his first over.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and South Africa are in deep trouble now! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick it through mid-wicket and closes the bat face tad early. It takes the leading edge. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith at backward point who takes a good low catch by diving forward. Huge blow for the Proteas as Klaasen was looking in good touch.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, shorter in length, on middle. Aiden Markram works it to long on and takes a single.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, around off. Aiden Markram punches it to cover off the back foot.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, around middle and leg. Heinrich Klaasen tickles it to fine leg for a run.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! What a shot! Length ball, in the slot, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen prods and drives it past the mid off fielder. The ball races away to the fence.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, fuller in length, around off. Aiden Markram tucks it to the leg side for a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Zampa fires in a quicker ball, around leg. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, ! Excellent placement from Klaasen! A half-tracker, around off. Heinrich Klaasen whips it to the left of the deep square leg fielder and collects a boundary.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Flatter ball, on middle. Aiden Markram eases it to long on for a run.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Top effort from Mitchell Marsh in the deep! A tad short, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen rocks back and cuts it past point. Marsh runs to his left and puts in a dive to save a run for his side.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, fuller in length, outside off. Aiden Markram carves it past covers to collect a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Leg bye! Flatter ball, down leg. Heinrich Klaasen misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they take a leg bye!
Change. Adam Zampa is going to roll his arm over now.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram goes for another expansive drive but gets the toe end. The ball goes towards cover and the batters cross for one.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around middle. Heinrich Klaasen drives it wide of mid on. Mitchell Starc there runs to his left and keeps it to just one. South Africa are 29/3 at the end of the Powerplay.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, ! Glorious! Back of a length, outside off. Aiden Markram stands tall in his crease and punches it past the mid off fielder for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, An appeal for LBW but turned down! Length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram gets low and looks to heave it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. The impact was clearly outside off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good-length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram prods and drives it to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, around off. Aiden Markram turns it on the leg side off the back foot.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Excellent bowling from Josh Hazlewood! A wicket-maiden over! Good-length ball, just outside off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it awkwardly off the back foot.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Five dots in a row! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it out.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Full ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen drives but straight to the mid on fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen punches it to point.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen blocks it out.
Three wickets down for South Africa and they need a big partnership now. Will Heinrich Klaasen stick around with Aiden Markram?
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, ! BOWLED! Oh, dear! Nothing is going South Africa's way! Quinton de Kock tries to get cheeky but loses his wicket in the process! Hazlewood serves a good-length ball, around off. De Kock moves across and tries to scoop it over short fine leg but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball loops up in the air and hits the stumps. Australia are delighted and South Africa lose their third wicket. Replays just showed that de Kock had no idea in which direc
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. Quinton de Kock goes for the reverse sweep. He gets a bottom edge to third man for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Shorter ball, outside off. Quinton de Kock hits it to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, ! Quinton de Kock gets his first boundary! He backs away to the leg side and Maxwell bowls a shorter ball, on leg. This is heaved over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Darted on off. De Kock backs away to the leg side and hits it to cover.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Shorter ball, on off. Aiden Markram comes down the track and hits it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, on off. Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid on.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Just a single and a wicket from the over! Fuller ball, outside off. De Kock pushes it uppishly to point.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Three dots in a row. On a length, on off. Flicked straight towards short mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, on leg. De Kock misses the whip and gets hit on the pads.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Length ball, around off. De Kock looks to flick it but gets hit high on the pads.
Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 4.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball, outside off. Markram looks to drive but gets the outside edge to third man for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Rassie van der Dussen, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood is off to a flying start! He was in great form for Chennai in the Indian T20 League and has carried the same in the World Cup! This is a brilliant delivery. On a length, right in the corridor of uncertainty. Rassie van der Dussen has his feet glued to the crease while looking to push at it. All he gets is the outside edge and Matthew Wade does the rest behind the stumps!
Josh Hazlewood comes to bowl.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Shorter ball, around off. Rassie van der Dussen hits it down to long on for one. A wicket and 5 runs from the over.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, That has been hit very hard but just for one! Maxwell fires it into the pads of de Kock who pulls it hard through square leg. The fielder does well in the deep to get across to his left quickly and keep it down to one.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Loopy ball, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen works it to long on to get off the mark. A single.
Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, ! BOWLED! MAXWELL MAGIC! He bowls a flatter ball, on off. Bavuma stays in his crease looking to block. The ball stays a touch low and goes onto hit the stumps! Big and early wicket for the Aussies and they will be delighted.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. De Kock pushes it to long off for one.
Glenn Maxwell will bowl from the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, Darted on the pads. Pushed to wide long on for one. It is time for Quinton de Kock vs Glenn Maxwell!
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, outside off. De Kock goes for the cut but gets it from the toe end. The ball goes towards short cover. 11 from the first over!
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off. Bavuma reaches out for it but gets the outside edge. The ball goes to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! He does it again! Mitchell Starc is looking for swing and serves a full ball, outside off. Temba Bavuma leans into it and drives it past point for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! Glorious stroke! Starc goes fuller this time, around off. Bavuma drives it past mid off and gets a boundary. Great shot.
The players of both teams make their way out for the national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of South Africa which will be played, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out in the field. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are the opening batters for South Africa who are at the crease! Before we begin, the players take knee to protest against racism! It is Mitchell Starc who will start with the bal
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, lands just outside off. Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Lovely shot and Bavuma gets South Africa underway! Starc serves a length ball, on off. Bavuma drives it nicely. The man at covers dives but cannot stop it. Two taken.
Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa, says that he is a bit nervous. Adds that they have two spinners, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, an all-rounder, and an extra batter in Heinrich Klaasen at number 6. Says that they have played quite a bit of cricket in the recent past and that helps. Mentions that they don't have the tag of favorites but they hope to play good cricket.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket, he feels it will be the same throughout. Adds they have a lot of experience, they have not had the luxury to play together in a few series but they are looking forward to this. Informs Agar and Inglis miss out. Also says he loves batting with Warner and he is someone he would rather play with and not against.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
TOSS - It is time for the coin toss! Both the skippers are out in the middle for the same. Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Australia. They will BOWL first!
PITCH REPORT -Â Sunil Gavaskar is down for the pitch report. He says that the pitch looks very even and the bowlers will get some help with the new ball. Danny Morrison says that it is quite warm in the middle. Adds that Glenn Maxwell will be a key player for Australia as he can hit the ball in all directions.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be coming into this game high on confidence having won both of their warm-up games, especially against a strong Pakistan side. Just like Australia, South Africa too haven't had much success at the T20 World Cup but this time around they seem to be a balanced side with a mix of world-class bowlers which includes Tabraiz Shamsi, the number 1 ranked T20I bowler and some experienced T20 batters in the form of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Rassie van der Duss
Australia, known to be a champion side, especially at the big stage, haven't been able to crack the T20 World Cup code so far as they haven't tasted much success at this mega event. Aaron Finch and his men would be keen to turn things around in this edition and they do have a formidable side as well. The likes of in-form Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are key to Australia's chances and not to forget that spin is also going to play a huge role in UAE. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar
The wait is finally over as the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 is set to kick off in UAE. A very warm welcome to the opening encounter where South Africa will take on Australia in Abu Dhabi's scorching heat.
... Match Day ...
After Finch elected to bowl, Aaron Finch went for over 11 in his first over but the move to give Glenn Maxwell the second worked wonders as he struck in his first over. Once the first wicket fell, wickets just kept tumbling. Hazlewood then worked his magic with the new ball. By the end of the first 6, South Africa were already 3 down. Zampa and Cummins then kept the pressure on in the middle overs. Every time a partnership started to build, Australia managed to break it. Starc, who was not a
That is a forgetful way for South Africa to begin their T20 World Cup campaign but the Aussies have started off with a bang! From chasing down a mammoth total in their final warm-up game to being restricted to an under-par total clearly indicates that the South Africans have succumbed to the pressure of the big event. Saying that, take nothing away from the Aussies who were spot on with the ball, except for the first over, Aaron Finch and co. have not put a foot wrong. Sensational stuff from t
For South Africa, just the one batter crossed the 20-run mark and that was Aiden Markram. He though saw wickets losing at the other end. There were a couple of stands that looked like building between him and Heinrich Klaasen and then Markram and David Miller but none kicked on. In the end, it is a poor batting effort from the South Africans.
Now the total is not a big one for the Aussies and they should chase this down. The wicket is slightly on the slower side but the score is still well under par. South Africa do have a fearsome bowling lineup and they will need to pick wickets early on. Will the Aussies make a mockery of the run chase or is there a fightback loading?
Glenn Maxwell is down for a chat. He says that everything went pretty much as per their plans. Adds that he is trying to follow Shane Watson's footsteps and get wickets with the ball. Adds that the pitch is on the slower side but he hopes that they can get to a flying start. Says that South Africa have a world-class bowling attack but a flying start should seal the deal for them.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, NOT ! Two runs to end the innings! Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada heaves it towards deep mid-wicket and looks for the second run. The throw comes in from the deep towards Starc who whips the bails off. The replays show that Tabraiz Shamsi is well inside his crease! South Africa finish with 118/9.
Mitchell Starc to Tabraiz Shamsi, Bye! Full ball, outside off. Tabraiz Shamsi misses his heave and the batters sneak in a bye! Matthew Wade, behind the sticks has a shy at his end but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, ! CAUGHT! South Africa lose another as Starc gets his man! Full ball, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to loft it over cover but it goes off the toe end towards Aaron Finch at covers who does the rest.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback delivery! Starc bowls a pin-point yorker, around leg. Rabada digs it out to the leg side for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, ! A much-needed maximum for South Africa! Starc misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, around middle. Kagiso Rabada hits a one-handed biggie over long on!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to long on and collects a couple.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, way outside off. Kagiso Rabada hangs back and drills it to long off for a run. Another good over for the Aussies as just 5 runs came off it!
Pat Cummins to Anrich Nortje, Wade will not be happy with himself there! Yes, it bounced just in front of him but he would have been expected to stop it. Well wide outside off, Nortje throws his bat at it but misses. Wade does not collect it cleanly and a bye is run.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Leg bye! Full ball, down leg. Kagiso Rabada backs away to flick but he misses and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A slower bumper, around leg. Kagiso Rabada ducks under it.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A full toss, on middle. Kagiso Rabada looks to go over long on but it goes off the inner half of the blade to wide of long on for a couple of runs.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A yorker, around middle. Kagiso Rabada digs it out watchfully.
Change. Pat Cummins (3-0-14-1) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, Good running! A low full toss, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to drive but gets the outside edge towards third man for a couple. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Length ball, around off. Rabada looks to loft it but it goes off the outer half towards deep cover for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Play and a miss! Good-length ball, outside off. Kagiso Rabada looks to slog it but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Yorker-length ball, on middle and leg. Kagiso Rabada digs it out on the leg side.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! TAKEN! A huge wicket in the context of this game as the set batter in Aiden Markram walks back to the hut! Full ball, darted on the pads. Markram flicks it uppishly and the ball goes straight to Glenn Maxwell at deep mid-wicket who takes a simple catch. A day to to forget so far for the Proteas!
Anrich Nortje walks out to bat.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to cover.
Change in bowling. Mitchell Starc (2-0-19-0) comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback from Hazlewood! Another yorker, on middle. Kagiso Rabada squeezes it out back to the bowler. 12 runs off the over!
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Well bowled! Yorker-length delivery, around off. Kagiso Rabada digs it out towards cover.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, ! Nicely done! Short of a length, just outside off. Kagiso Rabada stays back and whacks it over mid off for a boundary.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Good-length ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada blocks it back to the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram drags it to long on and takes a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Wide! Full and too wide, outside off. Aiden Markram lets it be. Wided!
Bowling change. Josh Hazlewood to bowl out now.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, ! WOW! What a clean strike! Back of a length, on middle. Aiden Markram stands tall and sends it sailing way, way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie!
Change.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, A really full one, a yorker to end his spell. Rabada jams it out. He wants a run but is sent back. Excellent from Zampa. 4-0-21-2 for him.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Shorter and quite wide outside off, Markram cuts but can't get it past point.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, On middle, Rabada works it down to long on and gets to the other end. He is off the mark.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, Flatter and on middle, it is blocked.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Markram comes down the track and works it through mid-wicket for one. He holds the key now, has to be there till the end.
The physio is out for the mandatory concussion test as Kagiso Rabada has been struck on his helmet. He looks fine though and we are good to resume!
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Punched to covers.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Short ball, on off. Rabada looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Left alone.
Kagiso Rabada walks out to bat at number 9.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, ! Dear, oh dear! Things go from bad to worse for the Proteas! Length ball, on off. Pushed to point by Maharaj. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and the fielder backing up misses too. The ball goes to long on and Maharaj looks to sneak in a single. He is way down the track but Markam is not interested. Maharaj tries to get back but he slips in the middle of the pitch. Maxwell throws a wide throw to Wade. The keeper collects it and runs Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat now. Also, Pat Cummins (2-0-13-1) comes back to bowl.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller ball, on off. Maharaj blocks it to cover.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Markram hits it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, ! TAKEN! The leggie gets another and the procession for the Proteas continues! Flatter ball, outside off. Dwaine Pretorius looks to cut it but gets the outside edge. Matthew Wade does well behind the stumps and takes a sharp catch. 5 runs and 2 wickets from that over!
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Googly again. But this is played to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, Googly, around off. Dwaine Pretorius chops it past covers for one.
Dwaine Pretorius is the new man in.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, ! LBW! That looked plumb and the TV umpire confirms the same! Tossed up, around leg. Miller looks to sweep it away but gets no bat on it. The ball hits the pads and it looks plumb. The finger goes up but Miller reviews it right away. There is no bat on that one and Ball Tracker shows three reds! The southpaw takes the long walk back to the hut and the Aussies are delighted!
Review time! David Miller has opted for a review as he has been adjudged LBW!
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Loopy ball, on off. Miller drives it past the diving cover fielder for a couple.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Just a single as this is hit to long off.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa!
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Short of a length, on leg. Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Josh Hazlewood (2-1-1-2) is back on.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, A touch fuller, on leg. Miller works it towards fine leg for a couple.
A run out decision has been sent upstairs! David Miller is well inside his crease as showed in the replay.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, around off. Punched down to long on for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Length ball, on the pads. Miller flicks it away for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, on off. Hit to mid off for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, NOT ! Length ball, on off. Miller chops it back towards the bowler. Wade runs in and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. The TV umpire is called in but Miller is well inside the crease. One taken.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, ! Welcome boundary and Maxwell is gutted with himself! He ends his spell with a short one well outside off, Markram cuts it through point and bags a boundary. 8 from his last over but a good spell from him. 4-0-24-1 for him.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, That is lovely work from Maxwell! Miller would have had to walk back had that hit. On middle, this is worked towards the leg side. Miller goes for one. The bowler gets to the ball in no time and as he turns, fires it towards the bowler's end but misses the stumps.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, This time he connects with the flick shot and it goes through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Almost! This lands on off and turns back in a touch. Markram looks to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Slightly shorter in length and on middle, Miller pulls it through square leg for another single.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Sees Markram come down the track and shortens the length, it is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Two dots in a row to end! A tidy over from Zampa! On middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Flatter and on the pads, Miller once again tries to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Slightly shorter again and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Was that a chance? No, it was hit right into the ground! Fuller and on off, Miller hits it back to the left of the bowler. Zampa dives and gets two hands to it but does not hang on. It goes towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break! Australia have been brilliant with the ball and in the field until the halfway mark and South Africa have just not found any momentum in the middle. They would hope that the batters at the crease right now take the game deep from here on! Adam Zampa (1-0-9-0) comes back into the attack.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Really good running! On the pads, this is worked between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Two taken.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, A little too straight, on the pads, Miller looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Floats it up on off, Miller pushes it down to long off and takes one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Floats it up on off, it is flicked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Markram will feel he missed out there! Shorter and on off, this is pushed hard but to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Another single! Angled into the pads, Miller nudges it towards mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On middle, Miller works it nicely wide of long on and takes two.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On the pads, Miller works it to short fine leg.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A yorker on the pads, finally Starc bowls a good delivery. Markram looks to jam it out but it goes off the leading edge to point.
Mitchell Starc to David Miller, A full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A slower bumper now and on middle, Markram gently pulls it down to fine leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! Starc has been guilty of being way too full. Again he serves a half volley outside off, Markram strokes it beautifully through wide mid off for a boundary. Fifty up for South Africa.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Starc goes full but on the pads, Markram works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Length and on off, angling away, it is guided to point.
David Miller is the next batter. Also, Mitchell Starc is back on. He went for 11 in his first over.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and South Africa are in deep trouble now! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick it through mid-wicket and closes the bat face tad early. It takes the leading edge. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith at backward point who takes a good low catch by diving forward. Huge blow for the Proteas as Klaasen was looking in good touch.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, shorter in length, on middle. Aiden Markram works it to long on and takes a single.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, around off. Aiden Markram punches it to cover off the back foot.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, around middle and leg. Heinrich Klaasen tickles it to fine leg for a run.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! What a shot! Length ball, in the slot, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen prods and drives it past the mid off fielder. The ball races away to the fence.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, fuller in length, around off. Aiden Markram tucks it to the leg side for a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Zampa fires in a quicker ball, around leg. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, ! Excellent placement from Klaasen! A half-tracker, around off. Heinrich Klaasen whips it to the left of the deep square leg fielder and collects a boundary.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Flatter ball, on middle. Aiden Markram eases it to long on for a run.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Top effort from Mitchell Marsh in the deep! A tad short, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen rocks back and cuts it past point. Marsh runs to his left and puts in a dive to save a run for his side.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, fuller in length, outside off. Aiden Markram carves it past covers to collect a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Leg bye! Flatter ball, down leg. Heinrich Klaasen misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they take a leg bye!
Change. Adam Zampa is going to roll his arm over now.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram goes for another expansive drive but gets the toe end. The ball goes towards cover and the batters cross for one.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around middle. Heinrich Klaasen drives it wide of mid on. Mitchell Starc there runs to his left and keeps it to just one. South Africa are 29/3 at the end of the Powerplay.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, ! Glorious! Back of a length, outside off. Aiden Markram stands tall in his crease and punches it past the mid off fielder for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, An appeal for LBW but turned down! Length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram gets low and looks to heave it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. The impact was clearly outside off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good-length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram prods and drives it to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, around off. Aiden Markram turns it on the leg side off the back foot.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Excellent bowling from Josh Hazlewood! A wicket-maiden over! Good-length ball, just outside off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it awkwardly off the back foot.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Five dots in a row! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it out.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Full ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen drives but straight to the mid on fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen punches it to point.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen blocks it out.
Three wickets down for South Africa and they need a big partnership now. Will Heinrich Klaasen stick around with Aiden Markram?
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, ! BOWLED! Oh, dear! Nothing is going South Africa's way! Quinton de Kock tries to get cheeky but loses his wicket in the process! Hazlewood serves a good-length ball, around off. De Kock moves across and tries to scoop it over short fine leg but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball loops up in the air and hits the stumps. Australia are delighted and South Africa lose their third wicket. Replays just showed that de Kock had no idea in which direc
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. Quinton de Kock goes for the reverse sweep. He gets a bottom edge to third man for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Shorter ball, outside off. Quinton de Kock hits it to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, ! Quinton de Kock gets his first boundary! He backs away to the leg side and Maxwell bowls a shorter ball, on leg. This is heaved over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Darted on off. De Kock backs away to the leg side and hits it to cover.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Shorter ball, on off. Aiden Markram comes down the track and hits it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, on off. Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid on.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Just a single and a wicket from the over! Fuller ball, outside off. De Kock pushes it uppishly to point.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Three dots in a row. On a length, on off. Flicked straight towards short mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, on leg. De Kock misses the whip and gets hit on the pads.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Length ball, around off. De Kock looks to flick it but gets hit high on the pads.
Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 4.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball, outside off. Markram looks to drive but gets the outside edge to third man for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Rassie van der Dussen, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood is off to a flying start! He was in great form for Chennai in the Indian T20 League and has carried the same in the World Cup! This is a brilliant delivery. On a length, right in the corridor of uncertainty. Rassie van der Dussen has his feet glued to the crease while looking to push at it. All he gets is the outside edge and Matthew Wade does the rest behind the stumps!
Josh Hazlewood comes to bowl.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Shorter ball, around off. Rassie van der Dussen hits it down to long on for one. A wicket and 5 runs from the over.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, That has been hit very hard but just for one! Maxwell fires it into the pads of de Kock who pulls it hard through square leg. The fielder does well in the deep to get across to his left quickly and keep it down to one.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Loopy ball, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen works it to long on to get off the mark. A single.
Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, ! BOWLED! MAXWELL MAGIC! He bowls a flatter ball, on off. Bavuma stays in his crease looking to block. The ball stays a touch low and goes onto hit the stumps! Big and early wicket for the Aussies and they will be delighted.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. De Kock pushes it to long off for one.
Glenn Maxwell will bowl from the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, Darted on the pads. Pushed to wide long on for one. It is time for Quinton de Kock vs Glenn Maxwell!
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, outside off. De Kock goes for the cut but gets it from the toe end. The ball goes towards short cover. 11 from the first over!
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off. Bavuma reaches out for it but gets the outside edge. The ball goes to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! He does it again! Mitchell Starc is looking for swing and serves a full ball, outside off. Temba Bavuma leans into it and drives it past point for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! Glorious stroke! Starc goes fuller this time, around off. Bavuma drives it past mid off and gets a boundary. Great shot.
The players of both teams make their way out for the national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of South Africa which will be played, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out in the field. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are the opening batters for South Africa who are at the crease! Before we begin, the players take knee to protest against racism! It is Mitchell Starc who will start with the bal
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, lands just outside off. Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Lovely shot and Bavuma gets South Africa underway! Starc serves a length ball, on off. Bavuma drives it nicely. The man at covers dives but cannot stop it. Two taken.
Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa, says that he is a bit nervous. Adds that they have two spinners, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, an all-rounder, and an extra batter in Heinrich Klaasen at number 6. Says that they have played quite a bit of cricket in the recent past and that helps. Mentions that they don't have the tag of favorites but they hope to play good cricket.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket, he feels it will be the same throughout. Adds they have a lot of experience, they have not had the luxury to play together in a few series but they are looking forward to this. Informs Agar and Inglis miss out. Also says he loves batting with Warner and he is someone he would rather play with and not against.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
TOSS - It is time for the coin toss! Both the skippers are out in the middle for the same. Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Australia. They will BOWL first!
PITCH REPORT -Â Sunil Gavaskar is down for the pitch report. He says that the pitch looks very even and the bowlers will get some help with the new ball. Danny Morrison says that it is quite warm in the middle. Adds that Glenn Maxwell will be a key player for Australia as he can hit the ball in all directions.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be coming into this game high on confidence having won both of their warm-up games, especially against a strong Pakistan side. Just like Australia, South Africa too haven't had much success at the T20 World Cup but this time around they seem to be a balanced side with a mix of world-class bowlers which includes Tabraiz Shamsi, the number 1 ranked T20I bowler and some experienced T20 batters in the form of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Rassie van der Duss
Australia, known to be a champion side, especially at the big stage, haven't been able to crack the T20 World Cup code so far as they haven't tasted much success at this mega event. Aaron Finch and his men would be keen to turn things around in this edition and they do have a formidable side as well. The likes of in-form Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are key to Australia's chances and not to forget that spin is also going to play a huge role in UAE. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar
The wait is finally over as the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 is set to kick off in UAE. A very warm welcome to the opening encounter where South Africa will take on Australia in Abu Dhabi's scorching heat.
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After Finch elected to bowl, Aaron Finch went for over 11 in his first over but the move to give Glenn Maxwell the second worked wonders as he struck in his first over. Once the first wicket fell, wickets just kept tumbling. Hazlewood then worked his magic with the new ball. By the end of the first 6, South Africa were already 3 down. Zampa and Cummins then kept the pressure on in the middle overs. Every time a partnership started to build, Australia managed to break it. Starc, who was not a
That is a forgetful way for South Africa to begin their T20 World Cup campaign but the Aussies have started off with a bang! From chasing down a mammoth total in their final warm-up game to being restricted to an under-par total clearly indicates that the South Africans have succumbed to the pressure of the big event. Saying that, take nothing away from the Aussies who were spot on with the ball, except for the first over, Aaron Finch and co. have not put a foot wrong. Sensational stuff from t
For South Africa, just the one batter crossed the 20-run mark and that was Aiden Markram. He though saw wickets losing at the other end. There were a couple of stands that looked like building between him and Heinrich Klaasen and then Markram and David Miller but none kicked on. In the end, it is a poor batting effort from the South Africans.
Now the total is not a big one for the Aussies and they should chase this down. The wicket is slightly on the slower side but the score is still well under par. South Africa do have a fearsome bowling lineup and they will need to pick wickets early on. Will the Aussies make a mockery of the run chase or is there a fightback loading?
Glenn Maxwell is down for a chat. He says that everything went pretty much as per their plans. Adds that he is trying to follow Shane Watson's footsteps and get wickets with the ball. Adds that the pitch is on the slower side but he hopes that they can get to a flying start. Says that South Africa have a world-class bowling attack but a flying start should seal the deal for them.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, NOT ! Two runs to end the innings! Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada heaves it towards deep mid-wicket and looks for the second run. The throw comes in from the deep towards Starc who whips the bails off. The replays show that Tabraiz Shamsi is well inside his crease! South Africa finish with 118/9.
Mitchell Starc to Tabraiz Shamsi, Bye! Full ball, outside off. Tabraiz Shamsi misses his heave and the batters sneak in a bye! Matthew Wade, behind the sticks has a shy at his end but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, ! CAUGHT! South Africa lose another as Starc gets his man! Full ball, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to loft it over cover but it goes off the toe end towards Aaron Finch at covers who does the rest.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback delivery! Starc bowls a pin-point yorker, around leg. Rabada digs it out to the leg side for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, ! A much-needed maximum for South Africa! Starc misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, around middle. Kagiso Rabada hits a one-handed biggie over long on!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to long on and collects a couple.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, way outside off. Kagiso Rabada hangs back and drills it to long off for a run. Another good over for the Aussies as just 5 runs came off it!
Pat Cummins to Anrich Nortje, Wade will not be happy with himself there! Yes, it bounced just in front of him but he would have been expected to stop it. Well wide outside off, Nortje throws his bat at it but misses. Wade does not collect it cleanly and a bye is run.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Leg bye! Full ball, down leg. Kagiso Rabada backs away to flick but he misses and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A slower bumper, around leg. Kagiso Rabada ducks under it.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A full toss, on middle. Kagiso Rabada looks to go over long on but it goes off the inner half of the blade to wide of long on for a couple of runs.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A yorker, around middle. Kagiso Rabada digs it out watchfully.
Change. Pat Cummins (3-0-14-1) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, Good running! A low full toss, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to drive but gets the outside edge towards third man for a couple. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Length ball, around off. Rabada looks to loft it but it goes off the outer half towards deep cover for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Play and a miss! Good-length ball, outside off. Kagiso Rabada looks to slog it but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Yorker-length ball, on middle and leg. Kagiso Rabada digs it out on the leg side.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! TAKEN! A huge wicket in the context of this game as the set batter in Aiden Markram walks back to the hut! Full ball, darted on the pads. Markram flicks it uppishly and the ball goes straight to Glenn Maxwell at deep mid-wicket who takes a simple catch. A day to to forget so far for the Proteas!
Anrich Nortje walks out to bat.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to cover.
Change in bowling. Mitchell Starc (2-0-19-0) comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback from Hazlewood! Another yorker, on middle. Kagiso Rabada squeezes it out back to the bowler. 12 runs off the over!
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Well bowled! Yorker-length delivery, around off. Kagiso Rabada digs it out towards cover.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, ! Nicely done! Short of a length, just outside off. Kagiso Rabada stays back and whacks it over mid off for a boundary.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Good-length ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada blocks it back to the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram drags it to long on and takes a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Wide! Full and too wide, outside off. Aiden Markram lets it be. Wided!
Bowling change. Josh Hazlewood to bowl out now.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, ! WOW! What a clean strike! Back of a length, on middle. Aiden Markram stands tall and sends it sailing way, way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie!
Change.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, A really full one, a yorker to end his spell. Rabada jams it out. He wants a run but is sent back. Excellent from Zampa. 4-0-21-2 for him.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Shorter and quite wide outside off, Markram cuts but can't get it past point.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, On middle, Rabada works it down to long on and gets to the other end. He is off the mark.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, Flatter and on middle, it is blocked.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Markram comes down the track and works it through mid-wicket for one. He holds the key now, has to be there till the end.
The physio is out for the mandatory concussion test as Kagiso Rabada has been struck on his helmet. He looks fine though and we are good to resume!
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Punched to covers.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Short ball, on off. Rabada looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Left alone.
Kagiso Rabada walks out to bat at number 9.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, ! Dear, oh dear! Things go from bad to worse for the Proteas! Length ball, on off. Pushed to point by Maharaj. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and the fielder backing up misses too. The ball goes to long on and Maharaj looks to sneak in a single. He is way down the track but Markam is not interested. Maharaj tries to get back but he slips in the middle of the pitch. Maxwell throws a wide throw to Wade. The keeper collects it and runs Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat now. Also, Pat Cummins (2-0-13-1) comes back to bowl.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller ball, on off. Maharaj blocks it to cover.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Markram hits it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, ! TAKEN! The leggie gets another and the procession for the Proteas continues! Flatter ball, outside off. Dwaine Pretorius looks to cut it but gets the outside edge. Matthew Wade does well behind the stumps and takes a sharp catch. 5 runs and 2 wickets from that over!
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Googly again. But this is played to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, Googly, around off. Dwaine Pretorius chops it past covers for one.
Dwaine Pretorius is the new man in.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, ! LBW! That looked plumb and the TV umpire confirms the same! Tossed up, around leg. Miller looks to sweep it away but gets no bat on it. The ball hits the pads and it looks plumb. The finger goes up but Miller reviews it right away. There is no bat on that one and Ball Tracker shows three reds! The southpaw takes the long walk back to the hut and the Aussies are delighted!
Review time! David Miller has opted for a review as he has been adjudged LBW!
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Loopy ball, on off. Miller drives it past the diving cover fielder for a couple.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Just a single as this is hit to long off.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa!
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Short of a length, on leg. Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Josh Hazlewood (2-1-1-2) is back on.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, A touch fuller, on leg. Miller works it towards fine leg for a couple.
A run out decision has been sent upstairs! David Miller is well inside his crease as showed in the replay.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, around off. Punched down to long on for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Length ball, on the pads. Miller flicks it away for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, on off. Hit to mid off for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, NOT ! Length ball, on off. Miller chops it back towards the bowler. Wade runs in and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. The TV umpire is called in but Miller is well inside the crease. One taken.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, ! Welcome boundary and Maxwell is gutted with himself! He ends his spell with a short one well outside off, Markram cuts it through point and bags a boundary. 8 from his last over but a good spell from him. 4-0-24-1 for him.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, That is lovely work from Maxwell! Miller would have had to walk back had that hit. On middle, this is worked towards the leg side. Miller goes for one. The bowler gets to the ball in no time and as he turns, fires it towards the bowler's end but misses the stumps.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, This time he connects with the flick shot and it goes through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Almost! This lands on off and turns back in a touch. Markram looks to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Slightly shorter in length and on middle, Miller pulls it through square leg for another single.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Sees Markram come down the track and shortens the length, it is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Two dots in a row to end! A tidy over from Zampa! On middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Flatter and on the pads, Miller once again tries to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Slightly shorter again and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Was that a chance? No, it was hit right into the ground! Fuller and on off, Miller hits it back to the left of the bowler. Zampa dives and gets two hands to it but does not hang on. It goes towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break! Australia have been brilliant with the ball and in the field until the halfway mark and South Africa have just not found any momentum in the middle. They would hope that the batters at the crease right now take the game deep from here on! Adam Zampa (1-0-9-0) comes back into the attack.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Really good running! On the pads, this is worked between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Two taken.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, A little too straight, on the pads, Miller looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Floats it up on off, Miller pushes it down to long off and takes one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Floats it up on off, it is flicked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Markram will feel he missed out there! Shorter and on off, this is pushed hard but to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Another single! Angled into the pads, Miller nudges it towards mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On middle, Miller works it nicely wide of long on and takes two.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On the pads, Miller works it to short fine leg.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A yorker on the pads, finally Starc bowls a good delivery. Markram looks to jam it out but it goes off the leading edge to point.
Mitchell Starc to David Miller, A full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A slower bumper now and on middle, Markram gently pulls it down to fine leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! Starc has been guilty of being way too full. Again he serves a half volley outside off, Markram strokes it beautifully through wide mid off for a boundary. Fifty up for South Africa.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Starc goes full but on the pads, Markram works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Length and on off, angling away, it is guided to point.
David Miller is the next batter. Also, Mitchell Starc is back on. He went for 11 in his first over.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and South Africa are in deep trouble now! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick it through mid-wicket and closes the bat face tad early. It takes the leading edge. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith at backward point who takes a good low catch by diving forward. Huge blow for the Proteas as Klaasen was looking in good touch.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, shorter in length, on middle. Aiden Markram works it to long on and takes a single.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, around off. Aiden Markram punches it to cover off the back foot.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, around middle and leg. Heinrich Klaasen tickles it to fine leg for a run.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! What a shot! Length ball, in the slot, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen prods and drives it past the mid off fielder. The ball races away to the fence.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, fuller in length, around off. Aiden Markram tucks it to the leg side for a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Zampa fires in a quicker ball, around leg. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, ! Excellent placement from Klaasen! A half-tracker, around off. Heinrich Klaasen whips it to the left of the deep square leg fielder and collects a boundary.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Flatter ball, on middle. Aiden Markram eases it to long on for a run.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Top effort from Mitchell Marsh in the deep! A tad short, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen rocks back and cuts it past point. Marsh runs to his left and puts in a dive to save a run for his side.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, fuller in length, outside off. Aiden Markram carves it past covers to collect a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Leg bye! Flatter ball, down leg. Heinrich Klaasen misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they take a leg bye!
Change. Adam Zampa is going to roll his arm over now.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram goes for another expansive drive but gets the toe end. The ball goes towards cover and the batters cross for one.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around middle. Heinrich Klaasen drives it wide of mid on. Mitchell Starc there runs to his left and keeps it to just one. South Africa are 29/3 at the end of the Powerplay.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, ! Glorious! Back of a length, outside off. Aiden Markram stands tall in his crease and punches it past the mid off fielder for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, An appeal for LBW but turned down! Length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram gets low and looks to heave it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. The impact was clearly outside off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good-length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram prods and drives it to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, around off. Aiden Markram turns it on the leg side off the back foot.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Excellent bowling from Josh Hazlewood! A wicket-maiden over! Good-length ball, just outside off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it awkwardly off the back foot.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Five dots in a row! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it out.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Full ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen drives but straight to the mid on fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen punches it to point.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen blocks it out.
Three wickets down for South Africa and they need a big partnership now. Will Heinrich Klaasen stick around with Aiden Markram?
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, ! BOWLED! Oh, dear! Nothing is going South Africa's way! Quinton de Kock tries to get cheeky but loses his wicket in the process! Hazlewood serves a good-length ball, around off. De Kock moves across and tries to scoop it over short fine leg but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball loops up in the air and hits the stumps. Australia are delighted and South Africa lose their third wicket. Replays just showed that de Kock had no idea in which direc
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. Quinton de Kock goes for the reverse sweep. He gets a bottom edge to third man for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Shorter ball, outside off. Quinton de Kock hits it to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, ! Quinton de Kock gets his first boundary! He backs away to the leg side and Maxwell bowls a shorter ball, on leg. This is heaved over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Darted on off. De Kock backs away to the leg side and hits it to cover.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Shorter ball, on off. Aiden Markram comes down the track and hits it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, on off. Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid on.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Just a single and a wicket from the over! Fuller ball, outside off. De Kock pushes it uppishly to point.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Three dots in a row. On a length, on off. Flicked straight towards short mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, on leg. De Kock misses the whip and gets hit on the pads.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Length ball, around off. De Kock looks to flick it but gets hit high on the pads.
Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 4.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball, outside off. Markram looks to drive but gets the outside edge to third man for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Rassie van der Dussen, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood is off to a flying start! He was in great form for Chennai in the Indian T20 League and has carried the same in the World Cup! This is a brilliant delivery. On a length, right in the corridor of uncertainty. Rassie van der Dussen has his feet glued to the crease while looking to push at it. All he gets is the outside edge and Matthew Wade does the rest behind the stumps!
Josh Hazlewood comes to bowl.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Shorter ball, around off. Rassie van der Dussen hits it down to long on for one. A wicket and 5 runs from the over.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, That has been hit very hard but just for one! Maxwell fires it into the pads of de Kock who pulls it hard through square leg. The fielder does well in the deep to get across to his left quickly and keep it down to one.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Loopy ball, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen works it to long on to get off the mark. A single.
Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, ! BOWLED! MAXWELL MAGIC! He bowls a flatter ball, on off. Bavuma stays in his crease looking to block. The ball stays a touch low and goes onto hit the stumps! Big and early wicket for the Aussies and they will be delighted.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. De Kock pushes it to long off for one.
Glenn Maxwell will bowl from the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, Darted on the pads. Pushed to wide long on for one. It is time for Quinton de Kock vs Glenn Maxwell!
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, outside off. De Kock goes for the cut but gets it from the toe end. The ball goes towards short cover. 11 from the first over!
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off. Bavuma reaches out for it but gets the outside edge. The ball goes to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! He does it again! Mitchell Starc is looking for swing and serves a full ball, outside off. Temba Bavuma leans into it and drives it past point for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! Glorious stroke! Starc goes fuller this time, around off. Bavuma drives it past mid off and gets a boundary. Great shot.
The players of both teams make their way out for the national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of South Africa which will be played, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out in the field. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are the opening batters for South Africa who are at the crease! Before we begin, the players take knee to protest against racism! It is Mitchell Starc who will start with the bal
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, lands just outside off. Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Lovely shot and Bavuma gets South Africa underway! Starc serves a length ball, on off. Bavuma drives it nicely. The man at covers dives but cannot stop it. Two taken.
Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa, says that he is a bit nervous. Adds that they have two spinners, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, an all-rounder, and an extra batter in Heinrich Klaasen at number 6. Says that they have played quite a bit of cricket in the recent past and that helps. Mentions that they don't have the tag of favorites but they hope to play good cricket.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket, he feels it will be the same throughout. Adds they have a lot of experience, they have not had the luxury to play together in a few series but they are looking forward to this. Informs Agar and Inglis miss out. Also says he loves batting with Warner and he is someone he would rather play with and not against.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
TOSS - It is time for the coin toss! Both the skippers are out in the middle for the same. Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Australia. They will BOWL first!
PITCH REPORT -Â Sunil Gavaskar is down for the pitch report. He says that the pitch looks very even and the bowlers will get some help with the new ball. Danny Morrison says that it is quite warm in the middle. Adds that Glenn Maxwell will be a key player for Australia as he can hit the ball in all directions.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be coming into this game high on confidence having won both of their warm-up games, especially against a strong Pakistan side. Just like Australia, South Africa too haven't had much success at the T20 World Cup but this time around they seem to be a balanced side with a mix of world-class bowlers which includes Tabraiz Shamsi, the number 1 ranked T20I bowler and some experienced T20 batters in the form of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Rassie van der Duss
Australia, known to be a champion side, especially at the big stage, haven't been able to crack the T20 World Cup code so far as they haven't tasted much success at this mega event. Aaron Finch and his men would be keen to turn things around in this edition and they do have a formidable side as well. The likes of in-form Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are key to Australia's chances and not to forget that spin is also going to play a huge role in UAE. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar
The wait is finally over as the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 is set to kick off in UAE. A very warm welcome to the opening encounter where South Africa will take on Australia in Abu Dhabi's scorching heat.
... Match Day ...
After Finch elected to bowl, Aaron Finch went for over 11 in his first over but the move to give Glenn Maxwell the second worked wonders as he struck in his first over. Once the first wicket fell, wickets just kept tumbling. Hazlewood then worked his magic with the new ball. By the end of the first 6, South Africa were already 3 down. Zampa and Cummins then kept the pressure on in the middle overs. Every time a partnership started to build, Australia managed to break it. Starc, who was not a
That is a forgetful way for South Africa to begin their T20 World Cup campaign but the Aussies have started off with a bang! From chasing down a mammoth total in their final warm-up game to being restricted to an under-par total clearly indicates that the South Africans have succumbed to the pressure of the big event. Saying that, take nothing away from the Aussies who were spot on with the ball, except for the first over, Aaron Finch and co. have not put a foot wrong. Sensational stuff from t
For South Africa, just the one batter crossed the 20-run mark and that was Aiden Markram. He though saw wickets losing at the other end. There were a couple of stands that looked like building between him and Heinrich Klaasen and then Markram and David Miller but none kicked on. In the end, it is a poor batting effort from the South Africans.
Now the total is not a big one for the Aussies and they should chase this down. The wicket is slightly on the slower side but the score is still well under par. South Africa do have a fearsome bowling lineup and they will need to pick wickets early on. Will the Aussies make a mockery of the run chase or is there a fightback loading?
Glenn Maxwell is down for a chat. He says that everything went pretty much as per their plans. Adds that he is trying to follow Shane Watson's footsteps and get wickets with the ball. Adds that the pitch is on the slower side but he hopes that they can get to a flying start. Says that South Africa have a world-class bowling attack but a flying start should seal the deal for them.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, NOT ! Two runs to end the innings! Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada heaves it towards deep mid-wicket and looks for the second run. The throw comes in from the deep towards Starc who whips the bails off. The replays show that Tabraiz Shamsi is well inside his crease! South Africa finish with 118/9.
Mitchell Starc to Tabraiz Shamsi, Bye! Full ball, outside off. Tabraiz Shamsi misses his heave and the batters sneak in a bye! Matthew Wade, behind the sticks has a shy at his end but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, ! CAUGHT! South Africa lose another as Starc gets his man! Full ball, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to loft it over cover but it goes off the toe end towards Aaron Finch at covers who does the rest.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback delivery! Starc bowls a pin-point yorker, around leg. Rabada digs it out to the leg side for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, ! A much-needed maximum for South Africa! Starc misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, around middle. Kagiso Rabada hits a one-handed biggie over long on!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, on middle. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to long on and collects a couple.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, way outside off. Kagiso Rabada hangs back and drills it to long off for a run. Another good over for the Aussies as just 5 runs came off it!
Pat Cummins to Anrich Nortje, Wade will not be happy with himself there! Yes, it bounced just in front of him but he would have been expected to stop it. Well wide outside off, Nortje throws his bat at it but misses. Wade does not collect it cleanly and a bye is run.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Leg bye! Full ball, down leg. Kagiso Rabada backs away to flick but he misses and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A slower bumper, around leg. Kagiso Rabada ducks under it.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A full toss, on middle. Kagiso Rabada looks to go over long on but it goes off the inner half of the blade to wide of long on for a couple of runs.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, A yorker, around middle. Kagiso Rabada digs it out watchfully.
Change. Pat Cummins (3-0-14-1) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Anrich Nortje, Good running! A low full toss, outside off. Anrich Nortje looks to drive but gets the outside edge towards third man for a couple. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Length ball, around off. Rabada looks to loft it but it goes off the outer half towards deep cover for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Play and a miss! Good-length ball, outside off. Kagiso Rabada looks to slog it but he misses.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Yorker-length ball, on middle and leg. Kagiso Rabada digs it out on the leg side.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! TAKEN! A huge wicket in the context of this game as the set batter in Aiden Markram walks back to the hut! Full ball, darted on the pads. Markram flicks it uppishly and the ball goes straight to Glenn Maxwell at deep mid-wicket who takes a simple catch. A day to to forget so far for the Proteas!
Anrich Nortje walks out to bat.
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Full ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada pushes it to cover.
Change in bowling. Mitchell Starc (2-0-19-0) comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent comeback from Hazlewood! Another yorker, on middle. Kagiso Rabada squeezes it out back to the bowler. 12 runs off the over!
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Well bowled! Yorker-length delivery, around off. Kagiso Rabada digs it out towards cover.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, ! Nicely done! Short of a length, just outside off. Kagiso Rabada stays back and whacks it over mid off for a boundary.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada, Good-length ball, around off. Kagiso Rabada blocks it back to the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram drags it to long on and takes a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Wide! Full and too wide, outside off. Aiden Markram lets it be. Wided!
Bowling change. Josh Hazlewood to bowl out now.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, ! WOW! What a clean strike! Back of a length, on middle. Aiden Markram stands tall and sends it sailing way, way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie!
Change.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, A really full one, a yorker to end his spell. Rabada jams it out. He wants a run but is sent back. Excellent from Zampa. 4-0-21-2 for him.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Shorter and quite wide outside off, Markram cuts but can't get it past point.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, On middle, Rabada works it down to long on and gets to the other end. He is off the mark.
Adam Zampa to Kagiso Rabada, Flatter and on middle, it is blocked.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Markram comes down the track and works it through mid-wicket for one. He holds the key now, has to be there till the end.
The physio is out for the mandatory concussion test as Kagiso Rabada has been struck on his helmet. He looks fine though and we are good to resume!
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Punched to covers.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Short ball, on off. Rabada looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet.
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, On a length, outside off. Left alone.
Kagiso Rabada walks out to bat at number 9.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, ! Dear, oh dear! Things go from bad to worse for the Proteas! Length ball, on off. Pushed to point by Maharaj. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and the fielder backing up misses too. The ball goes to long on and Maharaj looks to sneak in a single. He is way down the track but Markam is not interested. Maharaj tries to get back but he slips in the middle of the pitch. Maxwell throws a wide throw to Wade. The keeper collects it and runs Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat now. Also, Pat Cummins (2-0-13-1) comes back to bowl.
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller ball, on off. Maharaj blocks it to cover.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Markram hits it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, ! TAKEN! The leggie gets another and the procession for the Proteas continues! Flatter ball, outside off. Dwaine Pretorius looks to cut it but gets the outside edge. Matthew Wade does well behind the stumps and takes a sharp catch. 5 runs and 2 wickets from that over!
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Googly again. But this is played to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Dwaine Pretorius, Googly, around off. Dwaine Pretorius chops it past covers for one.
Dwaine Pretorius is the new man in.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, ! LBW! That looked plumb and the TV umpire confirms the same! Tossed up, around leg. Miller looks to sweep it away but gets no bat on it. The ball hits the pads and it looks plumb. The finger goes up but Miller reviews it right away. There is no bat on that one and Ball Tracker shows three reds! The southpaw takes the long walk back to the hut and the Aussies are delighted!
Review time! David Miller has opted for a review as he has been adjudged LBW!
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Loopy ball, on off. Miller drives it past the diving cover fielder for a couple.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Just a single as this is hit to long off.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa!
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Short of a length, on leg. Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Josh Hazlewood (2-1-1-2) is back on.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, A touch fuller, on leg. Miller works it towards fine leg for a couple.
A run out decision has been sent upstairs! David Miller is well inside his crease as showed in the replay.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, around off. Punched down to long on for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, Length ball, on the pads. Miller flicks it away for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full ball, on off. Hit to mid off for one.
Josh Hazlewood to David Miller, NOT ! Length ball, on off. Miller chops it back towards the bowler. Wade runs in and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. The TV umpire is called in but Miller is well inside the crease. One taken.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, ! Welcome boundary and Maxwell is gutted with himself! He ends his spell with a short one well outside off, Markram cuts it through point and bags a boundary. 8 from his last over but a good spell from him. 4-0-24-1 for him.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, That is lovely work from Maxwell! Miller would have had to walk back had that hit. On middle, this is worked towards the leg side. Miller goes for one. The bowler gets to the ball in no time and as he turns, fires it towards the bowler's end but misses the stumps.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, This time he connects with the flick shot and it goes through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Almost! This lands on off and turns back in a touch. Markram looks to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Slightly shorter in length and on middle, Miller pulls it through square leg for another single.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Sees Markram come down the track and shortens the length, it is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Two dots in a row to end! A tidy over from Zampa! On middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Flatter and on the pads, Miller once again tries to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Slightly shorter again and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Was that a chance? No, it was hit right into the ground! Fuller and on off, Miller hits it back to the left of the bowler. Zampa dives and gets two hands to it but does not hang on. It goes towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break! Australia have been brilliant with the ball and in the field until the halfway mark and South Africa have just not found any momentum in the middle. They would hope that the batters at the crease right now take the game deep from here on! Adam Zampa (1-0-9-0) comes back into the attack.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, Really good running! On the pads, this is worked between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Two taken.
Adam Zampa to David Miller, A little too straight, on the pads, Miller looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Floats it up on off, Miller pushes it down to long off and takes one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Floats it up on off, it is flicked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Markram will feel he missed out there! Shorter and on off, this is pushed hard but to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, Another single! Angled into the pads, Miller nudges it towards mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On middle, Miller works it nicely wide of long on and takes two.
Glenn Maxwell to David Miller, On the pads, Miller works it to short fine leg.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A yorker on the pads, finally Starc bowls a good delivery. Markram looks to jam it out but it goes off the leading edge to point.
Mitchell Starc to David Miller, A full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A slower bumper now and on middle, Markram gently pulls it down to fine leg for one.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, ! Starc has been guilty of being way too full. Again he serves a half volley outside off, Markram strokes it beautifully through wide mid off for a boundary. Fifty up for South Africa.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Starc goes full but on the pads, Markram works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Length and on off, angling away, it is guided to point.
David Miller is the next batter. Also, Mitchell Starc is back on. He went for 11 in his first over.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and South Africa are in deep trouble now! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick it through mid-wicket and closes the bat face tad early. It takes the leading edge. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith at backward point who takes a good low catch by diving forward. Huge blow for the Proteas as Klaasen was looking in good touch.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, shorter in length, on middle. Aiden Markram works it to long on and takes a single.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, around off. Aiden Markram punches it to cover off the back foot.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, around middle and leg. Heinrich Klaasen tickles it to fine leg for a run.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, ! What a shot! Length ball, in the slot, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen prods and drives it past the mid off fielder. The ball races away to the fence.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, fuller in length, around off. Aiden Markram tucks it to the leg side for a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Zampa fires in a quicker ball, around leg. Heinrich Klaasen looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, ! Excellent placement from Klaasen! A half-tracker, around off. Heinrich Klaasen whips it to the left of the deep square leg fielder and collects a boundary.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Flatter ball, on middle. Aiden Markram eases it to long on for a run.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Top effort from Mitchell Marsh in the deep! A tad short, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen rocks back and cuts it past point. Marsh runs to his left and puts in a dive to save a run for his side.
Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, fuller in length, outside off. Aiden Markram carves it past covers to collect a single.
Adam Zampa to Heinrich Klaasen, Leg bye! Flatter ball, down leg. Heinrich Klaasen misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they take a leg bye!
Change. Adam Zampa is going to roll his arm over now.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full ball, outside off. Aiden Markram goes for another expansive drive but gets the toe end. The ball goes towards cover and the batters cross for one.
Pat Cummins to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around middle. Heinrich Klaasen drives it wide of mid on. Mitchell Starc there runs to his left and keeps it to just one. South Africa are 29/3 at the end of the Powerplay.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, ! Glorious! Back of a length, outside off. Aiden Markram stands tall in his crease and punches it past the mid off fielder for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, An appeal for LBW but turned down! Length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram gets low and looks to heave it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. The impact was clearly outside off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good-length ball, outside off. Aiden Markram prods and drives it to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, around off. Aiden Markram turns it on the leg side off the back foot.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Excellent bowling from Josh Hazlewood! A wicket-maiden over! Good-length ball, just outside off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it awkwardly off the back foot.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Five dots in a row! Length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen defends it out.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Full ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen drives but straight to the mid on fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length, outside off. Heinrich Klaasen punches it to point.
Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Good-length ball, around off. Heinrich Klaasen blocks it out.
Three wickets down for South Africa and they need a big partnership now. Will Heinrich Klaasen stick around with Aiden Markram?
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, ! BOWLED! Oh, dear! Nothing is going South Africa's way! Quinton de Kock tries to get cheeky but loses his wicket in the process! Hazlewood serves a good-length ball, around off. De Kock moves across and tries to scoop it over short fine leg but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball loops up in the air and hits the stumps. Australia are delighted and South Africa lose their third wicket. Replays just showed that de Kock had no idea in which direc
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. Quinton de Kock goes for the reverse sweep. He gets a bottom edge to third man for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Shorter ball, outside off. Quinton de Kock hits it to covers.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, ! Quinton de Kock gets his first boundary! He backs away to the leg side and Maxwell bowls a shorter ball, on leg. This is heaved over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Darted on off. De Kock backs away to the leg side and hits it to cover.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Shorter ball, on off. Aiden Markram comes down the track and hits it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Aiden Markram, Loopy ball, on off. Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid on.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Just a single and a wicket from the over! Fuller ball, outside off. De Kock pushes it uppishly to point.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Three dots in a row. On a length, on off. Flicked straight towards short mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, on leg. De Kock misses the whip and gets hit on the pads.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, Length ball, around off. De Kock looks to flick it but gets hit high on the pads.
Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 4.
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball, outside off. Markram looks to drive but gets the outside edge to third man for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Rassie van der Dussen, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood is off to a flying start! He was in great form for Chennai in the Indian T20 League and has carried the same in the World Cup! This is a brilliant delivery. On a length, right in the corridor of uncertainty. Rassie van der Dussen has his feet glued to the crease while looking to push at it. All he gets is the outside edge and Matthew Wade does the rest behind the stumps!
Josh Hazlewood comes to bowl.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Shorter ball, around off. Rassie van der Dussen hits it down to long on for one. A wicket and 5 runs from the over.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, That has been hit very hard but just for one! Maxwell fires it into the pads of de Kock who pulls it hard through square leg. The fielder does well in the deep to get across to his left quickly and keep it down to one.
Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Loopy ball, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen works it to long on to get off the mark. A single.
Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, ! BOWLED! MAXWELL MAGIC! He bowls a flatter ball, on off. Bavuma stays in his crease looking to block. The ball stays a touch low and goes onto hit the stumps! Big and early wicket for the Aussies and they will be delighted.
Glenn Maxwell to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, on off. De Kock pushes it to long off for one.
Glenn Maxwell will bowl from the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Temba Bavuma, Darted on the pads. Pushed to wide long on for one. It is time for Quinton de Kock vs Glenn Maxwell!
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, Short of a length, outside off. De Kock goes for the cut but gets it from the toe end. The ball goes towards short cover. 11 from the first over!
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off. Bavuma reaches out for it but gets the outside edge. The ball goes to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! He does it again! Mitchell Starc is looking for swing and serves a full ball, outside off. Temba Bavuma leans into it and drives it past point for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, ! Glorious stroke! Starc goes fuller this time, around off. Bavuma drives it past mid off and gets a boundary. Great shot.
The players of both teams make their way out for the national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of South Africa which will be played, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out in the field. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are the opening batters for South Africa who are at the crease! Before we begin, the players take knee to protest against racism! It is Mitchell Starc who will start with the bal
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, lands just outside off. Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off.
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Lovely shot and Bavuma gets South Africa underway! Starc serves a length ball, on off. Bavuma drives it nicely. The man at covers dives but cannot stop it. Two taken.
Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa, says that he is a bit nervous. Adds that they have two spinners, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, an all-rounder, and an extra batter in Heinrich Klaasen at number 6. Says that they have played quite a bit of cricket in the recent past and that helps. Mentions that they don't have the tag of favorites but they hope to play good cricket.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket, he feels it will be the same throughout. Adds they have a lot of experience, they have not had the luxury to play together in a few series but they are looking forward to this. Informs Agar and Inglis miss out. Also says he loves batting with Warner and he is someone he would rather play with and not against.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
TOSS - It is time for the coin toss! Both the skippers are out in the middle for the same. Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Australia. They will BOWL first!
PITCH REPORT -Â Sunil Gavaskar is down for the pitch report. He says that the pitch looks very even and the bowlers will get some help with the new ball. Danny Morrison says that it is quite warm in the middle. Adds that Glenn Maxwell will be a key player for Australia as he can hit the ball in all directions.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be coming into this game high on confidence having won both of their warm-up games, especially against a strong Pakistan side. Just like Australia, South Africa too haven't had much success at the T20 World Cup but this time around they seem to be a balanced side with a mix of world-class bowlers which includes Tabraiz Shamsi, the number 1 ranked T20I bowler and some experienced T20 batters in the form of Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Rassie van der Duss
Australia, known to be a champion side, especially at the big stage, haven't been able to crack the T20 World Cup code so far as they haven't tasted much success at this mega event. Aaron Finch and his men would be keen to turn things around in this edition and they do have a formidable side as well. The likes of in-form Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are key to Australia's chances and not to forget that spin is also going to play a huge role in UAE. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar
The wait is finally over as the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 is set to kick off in UAE. A very warm welcome to the opening encounter where South Africa will take on Australia in Abu Dhabi's scorching heat.
... Match Day ...