Abu Dhabi: Australia opened their account in the ICC World T20 sealing a thrilling 5 wicket victory over South Africa in Group 1 of Super 12 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Chasing, a mere 119, Australia’s batting collapsed horribly. Both openers David Warner and Aaron Finch went home inside the powerplay overs with the later getting dismissed for a duck. Steve Smith (35) alongside Glenn Maxwell(18) steadied the ship and was taking them comfortably to victory before the before both of them fell in quick succession leaving their side reeling at 81/5 in the 16th over.
The Aussie skipper had to depart after a flying effort from Aiden Makram at the boundary sent him home while Maxwell’s defence was dented by Tabraiz Shamsi(1/22) which ignited relief within the Proteas camp. The seaming trio of Kagiso Rabada(1/28), Anrich Nortje(2/21) and Dwaine Pretorious propelled South Africa ‘s spirit dragging the game to wire.
With 36 needed of the last four overs, it looked like Proteas might have the edge over the Aussies. However, Marcus Stoinis (24*) and Mathew Wade(15*) kept theim composure till the end to see it through. Wade hit a couple of boundaries in the 17 th over which took the pressure of Australia. South Africa came back well in the next two taking it to the penultimate over. Needing 8 runs and with Pretorious bowling it, the Proteas had the belief to do the unthinkable. However, Stoinis, the burly Aussie all-rounder finished it off for his side slamming a couple of boundaries to seal the deal for his side.
Earlier, South Africa’s batting line up suffered a collapse scratching their way through to 118/9 in 20 overs. Aiden Makram(36) was the top scorer alongside an useful contribution from Rabada(19) down the order. However, Apart from them, rest failed miserably. The top three were packed for home by the Aussie bowlers inside the powerplay.
South Africa had high hopes from Quinton de Kock at the start of the tournament however, the diminutive south-paw was unable to deliver and so too the experienced David Miller(16) who had to play anchor role in the middle order. Australia’s superb all-round bowling perfomance was lead by seamer Josh Hazelwood(2/19) and Spinner Adam Zampa 2/21) although everyone of the unit got wickets in the bag.
Brief Scores: Australia 121/5 in 19.4 overs( Steve Smith 35, Marcus Stoinis 24* ; Anrich Nortje 2/21, Tabraiz Sh amsi 1/22 ) beat South Africa 118/9 in 20 overs(Aiden Makram 40, Kagiso Rabada 19*; Josh Hazlewood 2/19 Adam Zampa 2/21) by 5 wickets.
