New Delhi: South Africa will host Australia in a three-match twenty20 series at home starting from Friday. This series will be a curtain raiser for these two sides, ahead of the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 starting from March 8 in India.


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These two giants are also in the list of favourites along with India in winning the coveted tournament.


South Africa have been in good form in the shortest format and trounced England recently. Australia, who lost against India 0-3 at home, will look to bounce back in this highly intense series.


Both sides boast of a versatile all-round team that is rich on paper. South Africa at home will be a tough test for the Aussies, who under Steve Smith, will look to stand tall in the test.


A series win will give a much-needed confidence to either team going into the World T20. India have been dominating in the ongoing Asia Cup and both Australia and South Africa know they have to set the tempo from the word go. This promises an exciting battle between the game's two powerhouses.


Here is all you need to know about the T20 series.


Team news: South Africa have a full strength squad and are bolstered by the arrival of Dale Steyn. Aaron Phangiso is the only casualty after being banned from bowling in domestic circuit and he will not be considered for the first T20I against Australia as well. South Africa is yet to name a replacement.


Australia on the other hand too have a full strength squad. They are expecting the likes of Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile to feature in the first T20I after these players had picked up recent injuries.


Squads


South Africa: Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), AB de Villiers, David Miller, JP Duminy, Farhan Behardien, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese, Chris Morris, Aaron Phangiso.


Australia: Steve Smith (C), Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Andrew Tye, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, John Hastings, Usman Khawaja, James Faulkner, Nathan Coulter-Nile.


Schedule:


South Africa vs Australia 1st T20


Venue: Kingsmead, Durban.


Date: March 4, Friday.


Timings: 9:30 pm IST


South Africa vs Australia 2nd T20


Venue: The Wanderers, Johannesburg.


Date: March 6, Sunday.


Timings: 4pm IST


South Africa vs Australia 3rd T20


Venue: Newlands, Cape Town.


Date: March 9, Wednesday.


Timings: 9:30 pm IST


TV listings: Ten Cricket and Ten HD


Live Streaming: Ten Cricket