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South Africa vs Australia First T20I Tips - Visitors likely to edge the rusty hosts

By Sridhar Bhamidi

29 Aug 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 29 Aug 2023

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South Africa vs Australia First T20I predictions to be played at the Kinsmead Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night, IST
South Africa have lost 4 of their last 5 T20Is
South Africa have also lost 6 of their last 8 home T20Is against South Africa
Australia have won their last 3 completed T20Is
Adam Zampa has taken 2+ wickets in 3 of his last 4 T20Is against South Africa
Can Australia start the series with a win?

Can the arch rivals bring excitement to the table with rejigged squads? (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Australia First T20I

Playing their first international match after 148 days, South Africa will host Australia in a three-match T20I series. The first of these matches will be played at the Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday night at 9:30 pm IST.

South Africa vs Australia First T20I
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Australia Form
Australia Team News

With the ODI World Cup so close, it is fair to say that both these teams are looking to make the most of this series to get a fair idea of their bench strength. A number of regulars are rested but it is the Australian side that looks stronger than their hosts. I am backing them to start the series with a win.

South Africa have lost 4 of their last 5 matches (T20Is)
South Africa have lost 6 of their last 8 home matches against Australia (T20Is)
Australia have won their last 3 completed matches (T20Is)
Adam Zampa has taken 2 wickets in 3 of his last 4 matches against South Africa (T20Is)

Head to Head

South Africa have played Australia in 22 T20Is so far with 14 wins for Australia and eight wins for South Africa. That includes the Proteas losing nine of their last 13 matches.

South Africa Form

South Africa were last seen in any international match, back in April when they played an ODI against the Netherlands. The Proteas were last seen in this format in March 28.

A number of players have been rested by the Proteas with the likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje left out.

Keshav Maharaj is also unavailable for at least the first match with the uncapped Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke and Donovan Ferreira lined up for this series.

South Africa Team News

South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram will have a tough time juggling his options with the only one sure to miss is Maharaj.

Australia Form

Australia were last seen in a hard-fought Ashes series although there are a number of changes to the roster. The last time they played in this format was on November 4 in the T20 World Cup against Afghanistan.

The visitors are also starting their reign under new captain Mitchell Marsh, as they look for expanding their captaincy pool. The likes of David Warner, Cameron Green, and Josh Hazlewood have been rested.

Big players who are part of the ODI team and are expected to be crucial to their World Cup campaign are also missing due to various reasons. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are injured and will be out of the series.

Australia Team News

Australia have announced their playing XI with tearaway fast bowler Spencer Johnson, middle-order bat Aaron Hardie and opener Matt Short set to debut.

South Africa vs Australia First T20I FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs Australia First T20I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs Australia First T20I live stream.

What time does South Africa vs Australia First T20I start?

This South Africa vs Australia First T20I will be played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on August 30, Wednesday starting at 9:30pm IST.

Verdict

South Africa and Australia have rejigged their sides with neither bearing even a remote resemblance to their usual squads. While that evens out the two teams, the Proteas could be further handicapped with their recent lack of action since April. I am backing Australia on that count to start well and win this match. The usual suspect Adam Zampa should relish the conditions and be amongst the wickets – at least two.