SA vs AUS, 1st T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia [X.com]

Cricket returns to the African continent and it's time for the fans to celebrate an absolute blockbuster battle, with a formidable Australian contingent set to take on South Africa in a three-match T20I series. The first game of the series is all set to be played at the iconic Kingsmead stadium in Durban. 

SA vs AUS: Team Previews

South Africa

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 horrendous recent T20I record, incurring four defeats in their last five appearances. 

Aiden Markram will play a key role for South Africa [X.com]

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 Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the Proteas 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. 

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Australia

Talking about Australia, the visitors have suffered a massive setback, with veteran players Glenn Maxwell 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 Matthew Wade. 

On the other hand, the Australian bowling attack has the ability to rattle any kind of lineup, as it has three high-quality seamers in Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson along with their spin trump card Adam Zampa. 

SA vs AUS: Match Details & Live Streaming

SA vs AUS: Kingsmead, Durban Pitch Report

The surface at Kingsmead in Durban will assist the pacers, offering decent seam movement early on with the new ball. However, the batters can thrive and score runs briskly once they neutralise the new ball threat. The average run rate at the venue reads a reasonably good 8.10, so we can expect a moderate to high scoring affair. 

SA vs AUS: Probable Playing 11

Australia have announced their playing XI for the game, confirming debuts for Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson. 

Australia: Matt Short, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram (C), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Sisanda Magala, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi

SA vs AUS: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

SA vs AUS: Winner Prediction

Considering the strength of both teams, we reckon Australia will emerge victorious in this match. 

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