David’s Heroics Lift Australia

Australia overcame an early collapse to beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first Twenty20 International at Marrara Oval, Darwin, on Sunday. Struggling at 75 for six, the hosts were rescued by Tim David’s blistering 83 off 52 balls, featuring eight sixes, which pushed their total to 178 for eight. His aggressive stroke play turned the match around, giving Australia’s bowlers a strong platform to defend.

South Africa’s Chase Falls Short

Ryan Rickelton’s fluent 71 kept South Africa in contention, but disciplined bowling from Josh Hazlewood (3/27) and Adam Zampa (2/33) restricted them to 161 all out. Glenn Maxwell’s spectacular leaping catch to remove Rickelton halted the visitors’ late push, sealing Australia’s 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played on Tuesday at the same venue, with South Africa looking to bounce back and Australia aiming to wrap up the series.