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South Africa vs Australia 1st T20I: Predicted Fantasy XIs and Budget Picks

The pitch is known to aid the batters in the recent past, expect a high-scoring contest. The weather is expected to be slightly humid.

By Omar | Aug 29, 2023 | 2 Min Read

South Africa will lock horns with Australia in the 1st T20I, cricket returns to South Africa. The first game of the series is all set to be played at the iconic Kingsmead stadium in Durban. South Africa have had a topsy-turvy journey in T20Is of late. Since 2022, the Proteas have managed only ten victories, losing nine matches in the shortest format. Furthermore, they have a poor T20I record, incurring four defeats in their last five matches. Talking about their squad, South Africa have a balanced batting lineup, studded with Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks.

Youngster Dewald Brevis, who has been impressive in the domestic circuit, could also emerge as a threat to the Australian bowling alongside swashbuckling finishers Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira. On the other hand, despite missing key bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, South African bowling unit looks promising with the presence of Lungi Ngidi and pace sensation Gerald Coetzee. Meanwhile, the experienced Keshav Maharaj will spearhead the spin department alongside Bjorn Fortuin and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Talking about Australia, they suffered a massive setback, with veteran players Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins and Steve Smith being ruled out of the tour due to injuries. However, Maxwell’s replacement Matthew Wade is reckoned as one of the fiercest hitters of the ball and could play a key role for his side. Their batting lineup has enough dynamism, with Matthew Short, Travis Head and Tim David set to shoulder the responsibilities alongside Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis. Australian bowling attack has the ability to rattle any kind of lineup, as it has three high-quality seamers in Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson along with their spin trump card Adam Zampa.

Pitch

The pitch is known to aid the batters in the recent past, expect a high-scoring contest. The weather is expected to be slightly humid. The captain who wins the toss will look to chase the total down as there is a bit of dew expected in the latter half of the second innings.