T20 World Cup: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa combine to restrict South Africa to 118

Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood accounted for two dismissals apiece to help restrict South Africa to a total of 118/9, in the opening match of the Super 12 stage of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. Pat Cummins was another fast-bowler who performed well, chipping in with a wicket. Spinners Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell also made their presence felt, accounting for two wickets and a dismissal respectively. Aiden Markram was the top run-scorer for South Africa, accumulating 40 runs from 36 deliveries in an innings comprising of three boundaries and a six. Kagiso Rabada was the second highest run-getter, scoring 19 runs from 23 balls. Rabada’s knock included a four and a maximum respectively.

“Everything went according to plan. Started well in the powerplay, took wickets and kept them under pressure in the middle. Started back in 2012 as an all-rounder, nice to start doing well and contribute with the ball. I have put a lot work with the new ball having had to bowl to right-handers in the powerplay. No, it just got caught in front of my eyes, no hairdresser here, so I made it into a bob. I think the pitch is okay, a bit slower, hopefully, the ball will come on nicely. Think the score is a bit below par, but they have got a strong bowling attack and we’ll need to do well to chase it down,” said Maxwell.

Aaron Finch wins toss, opts to field against Temba Bavuma-led South Africa

Australia skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to field. Finch’s men take on South Africa who are led by Temba Bavuma. Australia have opted to sideline Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Josh Inglis and Mitch Swepson for their opening encounter of the prestigious tournament. South Africa are fielding a similar side to the one which pulled off a stunning triumph in a practice encounter against Pakistan.

“Looks like a good wicket”

Finch stated that his desire to field after winning the toss was influenced by how good the wicket was.

“We would like to bowl first. Looks like a good wicket, can’t see things changing a lot during the course of the game. We have a lot of experience in the side, we haven’t played as a group, but we’re looking forward to this tournament. Tough selection choices, but Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Josh Inglis and Mitch Swepson miss out,” he stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Bavuma stated that leading South Africa in the tournament was nothing short of a privilege.

“It’s been a privilege to lead the team in the tournament, big responsibility and looking forward to it. Two spinners, KG, Nortje, an all-rounder and an extra batsman in Klassen at 6. Our preparations have been good, have played a lot together We are coming off with some real momentum, not worried about any favourites tag, but we have to stay true to expectations – we have confidence in our team and we’ll look to do well,” he said.