Australia’s men’s cricket team was thoroughly embarrassed in their first T20 match against South Africa played in CT last night. Australia batted first in the group match and made 105 for 6. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both played brilliantly, putting the game out of Australia’s reach. The Whitesides team was unable to find their groove and came up just short with a total of 13,600.
Mitchell Marsh was the standout batsman for Australia, scoring an impressive 71 runs. His innings was a delightful combination of fiery strokes and clever shotmaking. Sadly for him though, it was here that his hard work was brought to a crashing halt as he was snaffled by Maphaka and bowled by Rabada. Travis Head was instrumental, amassing 57 runs in a key innings. Like his teammate Marsh, he too succumbed to the same deadly combination – caught by Maphaka and bowled Rabada.
With a weakened Australian batting lineup, Rohit Sharma and his bowlers were able to exploit their lack of form. No other batters were able to capitalize on the strong opening. Worse was to come for Josh Inglis, as he was dismissed for a golden duck when caught by Muthusamy, bowled Linde. Cameron Green only managed 23 runs before he was out for the count. Then for good measure, he was overtaken by Rickelton and clean bowled by Ngidi.
Matthew Dwarshuis and Glenn Maxwell, neither of whom managed a single run, hardly helped the cause. Dwarshuis subsequently finished not out but his score is recorded as 0. Likewise, Maxwell too scored zero, caught in the screens by Linde after being bowled out by Muthusamy.
Australia’s total of 105 runs included 8 extras due to wides, but they had no no-balls or leg byes to add. The game highlighted Australia’s lack of batting depth as they couldn’t capitalize on their great start.
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