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That'll be it from us in terms of coverage of the first T20I. While the margin of defeat might seen gut-wrenching for the hosts, given the inexperience in this South Africa side, they'll only gain learnings from lessons such as this. Australia, having had a near-perfect game, will look to take the momentum to Friday, and seal the T20I series. Keep an eye on our tabs for our coverage of that, and of course, a lot, lot more! This is Rajarshi, signing off on behalf of Pradeep. See you tomorrow!
Mitchell Marsh is the Player of the Match! Here's what he has to say: It was a nice way to start the series with a win, also to score runs, very happy. Lot goes into it, process and to get back from injury, really proud of that and it's all about playing for Australia, give my best and nice to contribute as well. Tim David was fantastic, took a couple of balls initially and then the way he batted, took the pressure off me and I was playing a lot of test cricket, couldn't connect a few at the end, need to work on that, it was really good partnership. Amazing from Sangha, he's done that in Big Bash in the last couple of years, fantastic young talent, Zampa missed out today and he came in and delivered, showed great character!
Aiden Markram [South Africa captain]: Wicket played really well, around 200 run mark we had a good chance of chasing, but I suppose all three disciplines, we were a bit rusty and it's been a while we played games, it showed up tonight. That's not an excuse for us, it's an opportunity for few guys, some glimpses we saw, felt and looked a bit rusty, come back stronger on Friday. That's the idea behind the series, we still want to be competitive, we don't like losing being a sportsman, be able to win games for the country.
They tried to make a match out of it, but South Africa were never, ever, going to be in the game having lost half their side within the halfway mark of the innings. They started off on a slow note, and while he had a half-century to his name at the end of the day, the intent didn't seem promising from Reeza Hendricks early on. It wasn't until Rassie van der Dussen got the engine started in the run-chase that he followed suit, but once he started to run out of support, the game was gone from the Proteas' grasp.
That being said, nothing can be taken away from the Australians today. They've had the near-perfect T20I game today - all three departments rose to the occasion in grand fashion! Tanveer Sangha proved to be an excellent find - unlike other Australian leg-spinners, Sangha can extract a lot more bounce due to his height. He used it to full effect, got the ball to dip, turn and bounce, and walked away with a four-for on debut!
Marcus Stoinis and Spencer Johnson landed the lid on the South African top-order in the initial overs with some quality swing and pace bowling respectively. Having beaten the bat of Hendricks with the outswinger, Stoinis proved to be too good for Bavuma in the first over of the chase, nipping one back off the deck, past Bavuma's defence, Stoinis drew first blood for the hosts. While he took a while to settle in, a brief onslaught from Rassie van der Dussen sparked interest all around Kingsmead.
The South African line-up capitulated as soon as the powerplay ended. Tanveer Sangha, introduced into the attack right after the 6-over mark, sent the trio of Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs in quick succession, and the game was pretty much up for the hosts right there. Stoinis and Johnson then returned for another spell, and went on to mop up the lower-order in quick time.
Well, Spencer Johnson ends the game with just under 5 overs left! A skiddy delivery proves to be too good for Shamsi, and the fibre set behind lights up! Australia claim the first T20I in grand fashion!
15.3 Spencer Johnson to Tabraiz Shamsi, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! It's all over as Australia annihilate South Africa to take a 1-0 lead in the three match T20I series! Just sheer pace from Johnson, that's what he can do. Back of a length on the stumps, Shamsi went back to defend, but misses, through to rattle the stumps. South Africa have some soul searching to do here!
Tabraiz Shamsi b Spencer Johnson 0 (2b, 0x4, 0x6)
15.3 Spencer Johnson to Tabraiz Shamsi, WIDE! Short but loses the radar, strays down the leg-side and a wide has been signaled.
15.2 Spencer Johnson to Tabraiz Shamsi, OH! Change of pace, short and angles it just outside the off-stump. Shamsi on his toes looks to poke, but gets beaten.
Tabraiz Shamsi, RHB, comes to the crease
15.1 Spencer Johnson to Reeza Hendricks, OUT! DAVID JUGGLES BUT CLINGS ON! Johnson picks up his first wicket and Hendricks departs now. Low full toss on the off-stump, reaches and smacked it down to long-on. David diving to his right takes it, but pops out and takes it on the second attempt.
Reeza Hendricks c Tim David b Spencer Johnson 56 (43b, 5x4, 2x6)
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A Markram
M Marsh
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Kingsmead, Durban
