Australia and South Africa are ready to meet for a limited-over format series after producing an incredivle WTC Final at Lord’s a few weeks ago. Both sides have players returning, which will add yo the intrigue of the series, the first scheduled to be played in Australia’s Top End after 17 years.
Match Preview:
The first match will be played at Marrara Oval, where the last international game was played in 2009.
Australia will be high in morale after defeating West Indies 5-0 in the recent away T20I series, doing so for the first time. Senior players including Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head are returning to the side. Head will open with captain Mitchell Marsh, pushing Glenn Maxwell to his normal middle-order spot. Marcus Stoinis, who is playing in the Hundred and been allowed to do so by the Australian management, will not be part of the series. This will see Mitchell Owen getting a spot along Tim David amd Cameron Green in the middle order. The Aussie think tank seem ready to keep polishing Owen for a spot in teh 2026 T20 World Cup.
Nathan Ellis had a brilliant time bowling in the Caribbean, which will give Australia a difficult choice when all three senior pacers will return. The hosts will have Adam Zampa slot in as a spinner, though Matthew Kuhnemann is also available for selection should the need arise.
Talking about South Africa, captain Aiden Markram also returns with Kagiso Rabada, bolstering the squad. This will be the first time the pair will play after the WTC final. South Africa have named younger players in their squad including Lhuan de Pretorious, Kwena Maphaka, and Dewald Brevis. The visitors have given maiden call up to Prenelan Subrayen, while Senuran Muthusamy has also been called into the squad.
Probable Playing XI:
Australia (possible): 1 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Cameron Green, 5 Tim David, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Mitchell Owen, 8 Ben Dwarshuis, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram (capt), 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Dewald Brevis, 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 George Linde, 7 Prenelan Subrayen, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Nandre Burger, 11 Lungi Ngidi
Pitch and Weather Report:
This is the first time since 2009 that an international game will be played in Darwin. The details about coinditions are, thus, not much known. Australia are looking to prepare the venue for red-ball comeback next year, and so this will be an audition for the venue.
Weather is likely to stay clear of rain, with 25 C temperature likely to be consistent throughout the game. There will be around 50% humidity but that will be without any rain threats. Winds will below at 8km/h from South to East.
Head-to-Head Record:
There have been 25 T20I games between both teams, out of which Australia have won 17 while South Africa bagged the remaining 8.
Prediction:
Australia are favourite to win this game over South Africa.
Where to watch:
Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, Foxtel
South Africa: SuperSport Action, SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport Cricket
Pakistan: Tapmad
India: Star Sports, JioCinema
UK: BT TV
USA: Willow TV
