Aussies post opening win over low scoring South Africa | Sunday Observer

Aussies post opening win over low scoring South Africa

24 October, 2021
Australia’s pair of Matthew Wade (left) and Marcus Stoinis compliment each other after scoring the winning runs
Australia’s pair of Matthew Wade (left) and Marcus Stoinis compliment each other after scoring the winning runs

Australia’s gamble to bowl first after winning the toss paid off well as they restricted South Africa to a total of 118 for 9 in 20 overs in their opening T20 World Cup group match in Abu Dhabi yesterday and then reached the target with five wickets to spare in 19.4 overs.

Australia had some anxious moments as they slumped to 81 for 5 but the sixth wicket pair of Marcus Stoinis (24 not out) and Matthew Wade (15 not out) took them to the target.

David Warner made just 14 while skipper Aaron Finch was out without scoring leaving it on the shoulders of Steven Smith to make 35 and rescue the side.

Except for a top score of 40 by Aiden Markram, the rest of the South African batters failed to make headway as Australia’s pace and spin combination proved a stumbling block and had the final say with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa accounting for two wickets each.

Scores:

South Africa 118 for 8 in 20 (Aiden Markram 40, Mitchell Starc 2 for 32, Josh Hazlewood 2 for 19, Adam Zampa 2 for 21)

Australia 121 for 5 in 19.4 overs (Steven Smith 35, Marcus Stoinis 24 not out, Anrich Nortje 2 for 21)

Comments