Australia vs South Africa highlights 3rd T20I updates from Cairns

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the game, South Africa were invited to bat on a difficult batting surface. Nearly everyone struggled but Dewald Brevis was batting on another planet. His excellent 53 (26) combined with a composed 38 (26) from Rassie van der Dussen gave them the score of 172 to defend, which, by no means, was a walkover. However, given that they were 108/3 in the 11th over, they will feel they should have got at least 10-15 runs more. Death overs batting has been the main problem in this series for the visitors. Once again, Australia had no answers to Brevis' firepower, but once he was out of the way, they came back stormingly. Nathan Ellis picked up a 3-fer while Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa were economical. Please stay tuned for the presentation.

Got to feel for South Africa. Came close in the tri-series final against New Zealand recently in Zimbabwe and have finished second yet again here. They will feel that the new-ball bowling let them down, as they did not pick up a single wicket. Australia's collapses have been wel documented over the months, so even one Powerplay wicket could have made the difference. Additionally, they dropped a few catches, which was pretty un-South Africa like and eventually, those small moments cost them. But the way they bounced back was heartening, especially, Corbin Bosch, who bowled a double-wicket 19th over, to give his side a sniff. Kwena Maphaka showed his form from the first T20I, but his first and third overs cost him badly.

Glenn James Maxwell. Came in when his side were tottering at 88/4. Played the way he usually plays, racing off to a start. Then, he started to run out of batting partners. David and Hardie were dismissed in quick succession and now, Australia needed 51 from 37 balls, with 4 wickets in hand. No problem, said Maxi. Enter Ben Dwarshuis and one suspects, he must have told him, 'Ben, you need to be Cummins for me here, and treat South Africa as a rampant Afghanistan at the Wankhede in the 2023 ODI World Cup. That night, in an unbeaten stand of 202, Cummins made 12. Here, in a crucial stand of 41, Dwarshuis made just 1. But crucially, Cummins that time and Dwarshuis this time, made sure that they followed Maxwell's advice. Towards the end, the South Africans came roaring back again through Corbin Bosch but Maxwell held them off, with an unbeaten 62.

After top-order collapses in the first two games, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh got off to a flier in the third. They attacked the new ball and hammered 52 in the Powerplay. Actually, it was plainly Marsh hammering the ball, getting his first half century after 18 T20Is and nearly 18 months. He rode his luck, getting dropped early by Kagiso Rabada and made the Proteas pay. However, the South Africans kept believing and fought back. Head was dismissed by Markram yet again and from 66/0, the side slipped to 88/4, which further became 120/5 as David had an off night. But there was someone else too, who keeps on getting forgotten time and again.

What a grand match for the grand finale. Very rarely do we get such matches which are thrillers as a finale. In terms of the batting firepower, 173 was never going to challenge Australia. But it was the pitch which made all the difference. The balls were bouncing a bit high and some were stopping and coming. And on such a pitch, the new ball was always the key, because it is hard and runs could come quickly.

The Big Show roars. Makes a statement. Never. Write. Me. Down. Ever. Definitely even more so when all the batting stocks have been exhausted. Once again, Glenn Maxwell reminds everyone of the skill he possesses and the Aussies are up in delight in the dugout.

19.5: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! That's a seriously audacious shot under pressure! Another high full toss, around middle and off, and Maxwell has the nerves to reverse it over short third! The ball is high in the air, but there is no one to catch it! Lands just inside the ropes and bounces into the fence! AUSTRALIA WIN BY 2 WICKETS AND WIN THE SERIES 2-1!

19.4: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Well bowled. Full and straight, The Big Show hammers it towards long on. Does not take the single. 4 needed from 2 balls now!

19.3: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Was that a no ball? A high full toss, outside off, Glenn slashes hard and gets a thick outside edge towards short third. Excellent effort by Senuran Muthusamy at short third, to stop it with a dive. Maxwell does not run. He looks at the square leg umpire but does not get the no ball. The side-on replay seems to suggest that the ball was dipping. 4 needed from 3 balls now!

19.2: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! POUNDED! Full and outside off, Maxwell creams it through the covers for a boundary! 4 needed from 4 balls now!

19.1: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Terrific effort in the deep! A length ball, around middle, Glenn Maxwell swings it towards wide long on. But the fielder rushes avross to his right, leaps outside the ropes and pushes the ball back in, before landing on the ground! Deep mid-wicket mops it up. Two runs taken. 8 needed from 5 balls now!

Last over. 10 needed. South Africa scored 11. Lungi Ngidi to bowl. 3-0-24-0 so far.

18.6: Corbin Bosch to Adam Zampa, Yorker again, outside off, Adam Zampa pushes through the line and gets a thick outside edge through deep third. Wants the single but is sent back. 2 runs and 2 wickets from the over and Bosch's last 2 overs have cost 6/2! He finishes with bowling figures of 4-1-26-3!

18.5: Corbin Bosch to Adam Zampa, Excellent yorker, around off, watchfully dug out by Zampa towards point.

Adam Zampa walks in next, at number 10, replacing Nathan Ellis, to face the hattrick ball!

18.4: Corbin Bosch to Nathan Ellis, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two in two! What a bowler this guy is. Shifted the momentum in the 17th over and is swinging it his side's way in the 19th. Full, just around off, Ellis is forced to play it. The ball pitches, moves away slightly, takes the outside edge and the keeper, Ryan Rickelton, does the rest!

Nathan Ellis walks in next, at number 9, replacing Ben Dwarshuis.

18.3: Corbin Bosch to Ben Dwarshuis, OUT! BOWLED! This is exactly why, this game is not done yet. Another slower ball, into the pitch, targetting the stumps, Ben Dwarshuis goes for the glory shot, to his favourite area at mid-wicket but misses the ball. It hits the stumps. The 41-run stand is broken and Dwarshuis departs for 1 (6). Australia are 163/7 and still need another 10 runs from 9 balls!

18.2: Corbin Bosch to Ben Dwarshuis, Slower ball again, into the pitch, Dwarshuis looks to heave but gets it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket.

18.1: Corbin Bosch to Ben Dwarshuis, A full toss, on leg stump, Ben Dwarshuis looks to swing but gets it off the inner half of the bat through fine leg. Two runs taken. Leg byes signalled in fact.

After 18 overs, Australia are 161/6. At the same stage, South Africa were 151/6.

17.6: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, Interesting, Maxwell takes a couple! On a length, around middle and leg, Maxwell works it through square leg. Dwarshuis is keen on the second and Maxwell agrees. Kwena Maphaka comes charging in from fine leg but fails to pick the ball up. Maxwell looks for the third but it is not on. 15 from the over and Kagiso Rabada finishes with bowling figures of 4-0-32-2!

17.5: Kagiso Rabada to Ben Dwarshuis, Nearly a drag on! Another slower ball, short in length, Ben Dwarshuis looks to pull but is early into the stroke. Gets a bottom edge which goes past the stumps to the leg side. A run taken.

17.4: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, 50 FOR MAXWELL! In 30 balls. Keeping Australia alive in this contest. On middle and leg, Maxwell pushes it down to long on for a single.

17.3: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! CHEEKY! Slower ball, short of a length, outside off, Maxwell arches back and ramps it over short third! Tristan Stubbs chases hard from deep third, dives to his left, but the ball goes through! 16 more needed from 15 balls!

17.2: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, Slower ball, on a length, Maxwell looks to heave it away again but mistimes it on the bounce back to the bowler.

17.1: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! Punishes the Free Hit! Full toss, around off, Glenn Maxwell swings it hard over mid-wicket!

17.1: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, NO BALL! Dear me, that slipped out of the hand! Well over the head of the batter, who lets it go. Free Hit coming up!

27 needed in 18 balls. South Africa hit 30 in their last 3 overs. Kagiso Rabada to bowl out. 3-0-17-2 so far.

16.6: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, Low full toss, outside of, squeezed behind point for a single. Sensational over from Bosch, going for just 4 runs!

16.5: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, Excellent bowling again and this might well be the over which wins the match for the Proteas! Full, targetting the leg stump, Glenn Maxwell looks to work it to the leg side but the ball goes beneath his bat and between his legs!

16.4: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, On a length, outside off, GM punches it in front of point and gets a couple. 28 more needed from 20 balls.

16.3: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, Another dot and the pressure is building on Maxi. Full, outside off, The Big Show goes for the reverse sweep but misses.

16.2: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, Another fantastic delivery. Yorker, outside off, Glenn tries to squeeze it through the off side but misses.

16.2: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Maxwell looks to flick while getting across and misses. The keeper, Ryan Rickelton, is not happy with the umpire's verdict.

16.1: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, Slower ball, short in length, outside off, Glenn Maxwell goes for the pull but misses. Yells out in frustration.

After 16 overs, Australia are 142/6. At the same stage, South Africa were 138/5. Corbin Bosch returns. 2-0-22-1 so far.

15.6: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Another slower ball, down the leg side. The Big Show tickles it towards deep square leg for a run. 

15.5: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Full, on middle, Glenn works it through mid-wicket, uppishly and charges back for the second.

15.4: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! A Maxi special. Brave and risky. Full, around middle and leg, Glenn Maxwell gets into position early and reverse sweeps it over backward point for a boundary. Moves to 33 (17) with his 5th four.

15.3: Lungi Ngidi to Ben Dwarshuis, Full, from around the wicket, targetting the leg stump, Ben Dwarshuis misses his flick and is hit on the pads. The ball deflects towards square leg and a leg bye is taken.

15.2: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Takes the single this time. On middle and leg, Maxwell gets outside the line and works it through mid-wicket. 39 more needed from 28 balls.

15.1: Lungi Ngidi to Glenn Maxwell, Slower ball, around off, Glenn Maxwell pushes it towards point. Does not run.

40 needed from 30 balls. South Africa hit 38 in their last 30. Lungi Ngidi is back on. 2-0-16-0 so far.

14.6: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, A short ball, down the leg side, The Big Show pulls it towards deep square leg and takes the single. 11 from the over, Maphaka's bowling figures read 3-0-36-2.

14.5: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, On a length, around leg stump, moving away, Glenn looks to work it to the leg side but misses. The ball goes off his pads and lands short of the keeper.

14.4: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! PLUNDERED! Short, around off, Glenn Maxwell launches into this and pulls it massively over fine leg!

14.3: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, Self-induced pressure now. Maxwell chips it towards wide long on but does not run again. He cannot be doing this all alone. He will need help from the others.

14.2: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, A short ball, around off, Maxwell pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Does not take the single.

14.1: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, EDGED, FOUR! Full, outside off, Glenn Maxwell throws his bat at it, aiming for a big swing, but the ball comes off slowly, takes the inside edge and rockets past the stumps towards short fine leg. The fielder dives to his right, but the ball seeps through to the fence! 47 more needed from 35 balls.

After 14 overs. Australia are 122/6. At the same stage, South Africa were 125/4. Kwena Maphaka returns. 2-0-25-2 so far.

13.6: Kagiso Rabada to Ben Dwarshuis, Full, around off, Ben Dwarshuis defends it towards cover. 2 runs and 2 wickets from that over, Rabada's bowling figures read 3-0-17-2!

Ben Dwarshuis walks in next, at number 8, replacing Aaron Hardie.

13.5: Kagiso Rabada to Aaron Hardie, OUT! CAUGHT! Poor batting. A length ball, on middle, Hardie looks to chip this one down the ground but probably does not realize that there is a long on in place. Simple catch for Corbin Bosch and Rabada has his second in the span of 5 balls! Probably Hardie wanted to target mid-wicket. Departs for 1 (2) and from 120/4, Australia are now 122/6! Equation - 51 runs, 37 balls.

13.4: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, On a length, outside off, Maxwell looks to drive away from his body and gets a thickish outside edge which flies through the vacant slip region towards deep third. A run taken.

13.3: Kagiso Rabada to Glenn Maxwell, On a length, outside off, nipping back in, Maxwell looks to tuck it fine but misses and is hit on the pads. Rabada appeals for LBW but it is turned down. Replays detect an inside edge.

13.2: Kagiso Rabada to Aaron Hardie, LEADING EDGE, SAFE! Nearly two in two for Rabada. On a length, around middle and leg, Aaron Hardie looks to work it to the leg side but plays early. Gets a leading edge which goes between cover and point. A single taken.

Aaron Hardie walks in next, at number 7, replacing Tim David.

13.1: Kagiso Rabada to Tim David, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Rabada comes and Rabada strikes! Is that the game? Very full, almost a yorker, tailing onto middle and leg, Tim David tries his level best to close the face of his bat but is beaten by pace. Gets a leading edge which pops up to the left of the bowler and Rabada snaffles it! That's not a big fish. That's a shark snared by KG. David walks back for 17 (9) and the 32-run stand is broken. Australia are 120/5 and need another 53 from 41 balls!

53 needed in 42 balls. South Africa scored 55 in their last 42. Kagiso Rabada returns. 2-0-15-0 so far.

12.6: Corbin Bosch to Tim David, A length ball, outside off, slogged towards deep mid-wicket. Plenty of opportunities for the second but David wants the strike.

12.5: Corbin Bosch to Tim David, DROPPED, SIX! Might have been six even if the catch had been taken. A short ball, outside off, Tim David goes for the pull but the bounce does him in. The ball hits the top half of the bat and Tristan Stubbs is in with a chance at wide long on. He runs to his right, leaps but has to backtrack as well. The ball goes through his hands and lands beyond the ropes!

12.4: Corbin Bosch to Tim David, FOUR! MURDERED! Length ball and straight, David whips it through square leg and finds the fence. 

12.3: Corbin Bosch to Glenn Maxwell, Back of a length, around off, Glenn Maxwell eases it through the covers for a run.

12.2: Corbin Bosch to Tim David, Full and straight, David works it through mid-wicket for a single.

12.1: Corbin Bosch to Tim David, On a length, outside off, Tim David punches it through the covers for a couple.

After 12 overs, Australia are 105/4. At the same stage, South Africa were 113/4. Corbin Bosch is back on. 1-0-7-1 so far.

11.6: Senuran Muthusamy to Glenn Maxwell, Into the stumps, full in length, Glenn Maxwell flicks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a couple more. A productive over for Australia. 13 runs off it.

11.5: Senuran Muthusamy to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! More conventional and mighty effective! Pushed through, flat and full, on the leg stump. Glenn Maxwell moves leg side to create room and lofts it inside out over cover for a boundary. This brings up the 100 for Australia!

11.4: Senuran Muthusamy to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Signature Maxwell! He won't shy away playing those adventurous strokes. Pitched full and right in front of the stumps. Glenn Maxwell switches the stance, knows backward point is in the circle and just clears the man with ease for a boundary.

11.3: Senuran Muthusamy to Tim David, Drifted full and outside the leg stump, David leans on and steers the full ball to deep square leg for a single.

11.2: Senuran Muthusamy to Glenn Maxwell, Floated up, full and on the leg stump. Maxwell gets forward and steers it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single. With no fielder stationed there, Muthusamy himself chases the ball.

11.1: Senuran Muthusamy to Tim David, Slower through the air, dropped short and on middle, Tim David hangs back and punches it along the ground to long off for a single.

81 needed from 54 balls. South Africa hit 64 in their last 54.

10.6: Kwena Maphaka to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! A gift and Maxwell obliges! Probably not the ideal line and length for any new batter. This is on the leg stump, further sliding down, on a fuller length. Glenn Maxwell uses the pace and tickles it behind to deep fine leg for a boundary.

Glenn Maxwell walks in next, at number 6, replacing Cameron Green.

10.5: Kwena Maphaka to Cameron Green, OUT! GONE! Maphaka has two to his name now! Into the pitch, from around the stumps. Short and on the middle stump line, holds up a bit on the track. Cameron Green stands tall and slaps the pull shot, aerially and to the right of deep mid-wicket. It goes flat, and Dewald Brevis moves to his right to take the catch around his eyeline. Australia slip further down to 88/4 as Cameron Green departs for 9 (8).

10.4: Kwena Maphaka to Cameron Green, FOUR! SMASHED! Short delivery, on the body. Sits up well for Green as he smokes it through the pull shot and finds the gap at deep mid-wicket.

10.3: Kwena Maphaka to Tim David, Good length on the middle stump. David pushes it through mid on for a single.

Tim David walks in next, at number 5, replacing his skipper, Mitchell Marsh. Broke the duck of half centuries, did Marsh, but could not see his side home.

10.2: Kwena Maphaka to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Kwena Maphaka gets a crucial wicket for his side and his dream run with the ball continues this series. Marsh, just for a moment thought that he cleared the ropes, but it wasn't meant to be this time. Full and on the leg stump, speared in, Mitchell Marsh whips it aerially, towards deep square leg. Lhuan-dre Pretorius stationed just a couple of yards, takes a fine reverse cup catch. Mitchell Marsh couldn't quite believe it as he departs for 54 (37) and Australia are 83/3.

10.1: Kwena Maphaka to Cameron Green, Full and angled across off, Cameron Green pushes at it and gets it off the inner half of the bat to the widish mid-wicket region for a single.

Halfway stage reached. The monkey is finally off the back for Mitchell Marsh. He gets his first half century after 18 innings in T20Is, with his last half century coming way back in February 2024, against New Zealand in Wellington. Kwena Maphaka returns. 1-0-15-0 so far.

9.6: Senuran Muthusamy to Cameron Green, Green works this full delivery to long off for a single. 

9.5: Senuran Muthusamy to Cameron Green, On a length around the fourth. This is whipped towards deep square leg for a couple.

9.4: Senuran Muthusamy to Cameron Green, Oh, that gripped a lot! Flat and full, on middle. Turns away off the deck. Cameron Green goes back on the full delivery instead of committing on the front foot and goes through the shot, getting a leading edge. The ball goes flat and between the diving Rassie van der Dussen at backward point and short third. 

9.3: Senuran Muthusamy to Cameron Green, Slows it up, but keeps the stumps in play, on a fuller length. Mitchell Marsh plants the front foot forward and pushes it with soft hands to the off side.

9.2: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, In-drifter on the leg stump, full in length, Mitchell Marsh sweeps it to deep backward square leg and rotates the strike.

9.2: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Darted well down leg, Mitchell Marsh shapes to sweep but misses and the keeper Ryan Rickelton moves to his left to collect. Wide called.

9.1: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! FIFTY FOR MITCHELL MARSH! His 10th in T20Is. Bowled from a wider angle, speared on the leg stump, on a length. Mitchell Marsh gets on his knee and pulls it to deep backward square leg to reach the milestone with a boundary.

100 needed in 66 balls. South Africa scored 103 in their last 66. Senuran Muthusamy is back on. 1-0-12-0 so far.

8.6: Corbin Bosch to Mitchell Marsh, On the shorter side, jagging back in from middle. Mitchell Marsh mistimes the pull shot, but along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

8.5: Corbin Bosch to Cameron Green, Oh, another one that folds into the batter from a length. Cameron Green tries to push it straight but the ball takes the left shoulder of the bat and rolls into the leg side for a single.

Cameron Green walks in next, at number 4, replacing Josh Inglis. Forgetful series for the keeper batter. Golden duck in the first T20I, illness in the second one and another golden duck in the third.

8.4: Corbin Bosch to Josh Inglis, OUT! BOWLED! Two wickets in quick intervals for South Africa as Bosch strikes now! The stumps are attacked, on a good length. The ball lands, skids and arrives quicker than Josh Inglis would have anticipated. He is hurried to hop on the back foot and brings the bat in front to block it away, but there's enough nip back off the pitch to beat the inside edge. The ball then deflects off the back thigh pad, and smashes into the stumps. From 66/0, Australia are now 71/2!

8.3: Corbin Bosch to Mitchell Marsh, Slower short ball by the looks of it, on the leg stump line. Mitchell Marsh waits back and pulls it to wide deep mid-wicket for a single.

8.2: Corbin Bosch to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Placed to perfection by the Bison! Pitched fuller and outside off, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and smashes it to the left of the diving mid off fielder for a boundary.

8.1: Corbin Bosch to Mitchell Marsh, Full ball around off, worked to backward point.

Josh Inglis walks in next, at number 3, replacing Travis Head. A poor series for Head, managing just 26 runs in 3 outings. Corbin Bosch to bowl now. Bowler number 6.

7.6: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, OUT! TAKEN! What an over this is turning out to be from Aiden Markram as he removes Travis Head for another score below 20! Fired down the leg stump line, too full, Travis Head premeditates and goes for the sweep shot but fails to get his bat properly under the ball. Gets a top edge and the ball flies into the backward square leg region where Lungi Ngidi takes a nice overhead reverse cup catch. Australia are 66/1.

7.5: Aiden Markram to Mitchell Marsh, 'Catch it' is the cry from Ryan Rickelton, but it lands well short! Short and on the stumps, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and pulls it over mid on, and the ball lands on the bounce in front of long on for a single.

7.4: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, Dropped? Yes! Drag-downer from Markram, around off and spins away off the pitch. Travis Head flat bats, and hits it flat to the left of Markram. The skipper dives and sticks out his left hand but the ball is deflected behind for a single.

7.3: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, Very full, outside off, Travis Head plants the back foot on the pitch and slashes it away, but straight to the man at cover.

7.2: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, Spins away from off, on a length, Travis Head hangs back and punches it again, finding the man at cover.

7.1: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, Dropped short on off, punched off the back foot to cover.

109 needed from 78 balls. South Africa hit 122 in their last 78. Aiden Markram returns. 1-0-4-0 so far.

6.6: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Starts with a six off the first ball, and ends with another half a dozen. A loosener, full toss, on the stumps. Mitchell Marsh heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

6.5: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, Action replay! Fourth time in a row! Flat, quick, and full, on the leg stump. Mitchell Marsh tries to work that leg side, but misses and the ball rolls off the front pad into the off side.

6.4: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, Darted on the pads, once again, a bit too full, Mitchell Marsh goes for a sweep and is again hit on the pad.

6.3: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, The pads are attacked again through a quicker delivery, Marsh again tries to sweep and is rapped on the front pad.

6.2: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, Released slower through the air, full and on the pads, Mitchell Marsh misses to sweep and the ball lobs off the front pad and drops on the pitch.

6.1: Senuran Muthusamy to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! He has picked the bones out of it! Some way to greet a bowler in the attack! Dropped short and on the leg stump. Mitchell Marsh is quick to rock back and pulls it flat and behind deep square leg for a cracking six.

So Australia manage 52/0 in the Powerplay.  South Africa made 46/2 in theirs. Here's Senuran Muthusamy now. Bowler number 5.

5.6: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, FOUR! A boundary to end the Powerplay! Slower ball again, full outside off, this time Head manages to put bat on ball as he manages to hit it between point and short third. The ball goes into the gap and trickles into the ropes. 50-RUN OPENING STAND UP!

5.5: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Testing the patience of the batter! Another pace-off delivery, from around-the-wicket angle, full and outside off. Travis Head again swooshes hard at it, but misses to lay bat on ball.

5.4: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Swing and a miss! Slower ball again, outside off, angling across on a length. Travis Head swings months early to whack that over cover, but misses.

5.3: Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh, Released slower through the fingers by Ngidi, full and sliding on the leg stump. Mitchell Marsh misses the whip to the leg side, and the ball deflects off the front pad, rolling down to the fine leg region. They cross for a leg bye.

5.2: Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh, Slows it up again, full and outside off, Marsh taps it to the point region with soft hands.

5.1: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Slower delivery, on a length, on off. Travis Head clears the front leg and smacks it to the right of cover. The fielder there dives, but dives over the ball and it rolls to the deep for a single.

127 needed from 90 balls. South Africa scored 133 in their last 90. Change of ends for Lungi Ngidi. 1-0-11-0 so far.

4.6: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, Shoots in a yorker, does Rabada, on off, Mitchell Marsh jams the bat down and squeezes it back to the bowler. 7 off the over, and 22 in the last two for Australia.

4.5: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Effortless! Full and down the leg side, Mitchell Marsh flicks it beautifully over square leg, picking the slower ball nicely and the ball travels into orbit again, nearly hitting the cameraman around the stands at deep square leg! Marsh moves to 30 (20) with his third six. 127 more needed from 91 balls.

4.4: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, A yorker, around off, shoveled back to Rabada.

4.4: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Misses the radar completely and throws it down leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to flick by taking it on the full, but misses. Wide called.

4.3: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, Muted appeal for LBW, but going well down leg. Rabada bowls it a touch full and on the leg stump line, Mitchell Marsh tries to flick, but the ball skids low and slams his front pad.

4.2: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, DROPPED! Tough one, but a chance for sure. Full and straight, Mitchell Marsh hammers it straight back to the bowler, near his groin but Rabada is not expecting it. The ball hits his hand and drops down. The good thing was that the hand came in the way, else, there was no escape there. Marsh apologizes to the bowler.

4.1: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, Cuts into the batter, on a length, Marsh plays with a straight bat and punches it to mid off.

After 4 overs, Australia are 39/0. At the same stage, South Africa were 32/1. Kagiso Rabada returns. 1-0-8-0 so far.

3.6: Kwena Maphaka to Travis Head, High on the bat, in the air... but lands short! Slanting in and around off, Travis Head slices the pull shot on this short delivery, but luckily for him, the ball clears square leg and lands in the deep for a couple.

3.5: Kwena Maphaka to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! Fine leg is up and Maphaka pitches it short and down the leg side. Head just gets inside the line and helps it to the left of the diving fielder at short fine leg, for consecutive boundaries. 136 more needed from 97 balls.

3.4: Kwena Maphaka to Travis Head, FOUR! Dragged short, outside off, Travis Head goes for the pull but does not quite meet the ball. Ends up dragging the pull over mid-wicket for the boundary. The stand moves to 33 (22).

3.3: Kwena Maphaka to Mitchell Marsh, Pitched outside leg, on a good length. Mitchell Marsh tries to pull but gets a faint inside edge and the ball goes off the thigh pad to the cover region. They cross.

3.2: Kwena Maphaka to Mitchell Marsh, Across the batter, on off, on a length, Marsh mistimes the pull, and hits it straight to mid-wicket.

3.1: Kwena Maphaka to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up, outside off, angling away, Mitchell Marsh leans and lofts it over mid off for a boundary!

149 needed from 102 balls. South Africa scored 153 in their last 102. Here's Kwena Maphaka now. 4th bowler in 4 overs.

2.6: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Shortish delivery, around off, punched off the back foot to the man at cover.

2.5: Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh, The pace is taken off, on a length and outside off. Mitchell Marsh waits back and threads it between cover and backward point. Tristan Stubbs chases it down with a sprint from backward point and keeps the batters down to three.

2.4: Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! IMPERIOUS! Second biggie for the skipper. A short ball, outside off, Mitchell Marsh pulls it with disdain over mid-wicket!

2.3: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, TOP EDGE, SAFE! A short ball, 20 kph quicker than the previous two balls, Travis Head goes for the pull but is hurried into the shot. Gets a top edge which lands just beyond the keeper running back! A single taken.

2.2: Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh, Fullish and around off, it is that off cutter from Ngidi. Mitchell Marsh heaves it to deep square leg for a single.

2.1: Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Marsh, Nip-backer, short and outside off, Marsh is held back but manages to dab it down to short cover.

Just before that last ball, Aiden Markram was wiping the ball with the towel. Suspect that dew has entered the arena. Lungi Ngidi to bowl now.

1.6: Aiden Markram to Mitchell Marsh, Not that short and not too full either. On middle, Mitchell Marsh pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

1.5: Aiden Markram to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and fuller on the leg stump, Marsh flicks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket and they push hard for the second.

1.4: Aiden Markram to Mitchell Marsh, Oh, some turn! Sharply spins in from outside off, on a length. Marsh is forced to go on the back foot and punches it to the cover-point region.

1.3: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, Flights it up, full and on middle, turns away off the deck. Travis Head sits down and drags it wide of mid on for a single.

1.2: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, The length is pulled back and this is an in-drifter on middle and leg. Head backs away and punches it to the cover region.

1.1: Aiden Markram to Travis Head, Around the stumps. Floated full and around off, Travis Head taps the front foot out and smashes it to point.

That last ball just spoilt what was a terrific opening over from Kagiso Rabada. Skipper Aiden Markram gets the ball in his hand.

0.6: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! HUMONGOUS! A short ball, outside off, Mitchell Marsh picks the bones out of that, pulling it mercilessly over deep mid-wicket! 164 more needed from 114 balls.

0.5: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, Nagging length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh chops it to backward point.

0.5: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Throws it down leg, on a length. Wide called.

0.4: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, Up in the air... but no bat involved! Back of a length, jagging back into the pads. Mitchell Marsh misses to whip that away and the ball spoons up off the front pad, and lands beside the pitch.

0.3: Kagiso Rabada to Travis Head, Quick run! Full and straight, Head forces it to wide mid on for a single.

0.2: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, This one zips back into the batter off the deck, on a length, around off. Mitchell Marsh brings the bat in front to block, but plays over the line. The ball beats the inside edge and goes off the back thigh pad. Lobs in front of first slip. They get a leg bye.

0.1: Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, KG starts on the money! Attacks the stumps straightaway, on a back of a length, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line and blocks it off.

The players are back on the field. In the second T20I, Australia folded up for 165 on a much better pitch, attempting to chase 219. This is a tougher pitch to bat on and even though their side is packed with hitters, they all are ones who like the ball coming onto the bat. Someone will either have to play a blinder, like Brevis, or bat till the end in the top 3. The Proteas take their positions in the field, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head as the openers for Australia. It will be Kagiso Rabada to start things off to Marsh. Let's resume!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

If we closely look at the bowling card of Australia, barring Aaron Hardie, who was taken to the cleaners for 27 runs in an over, everyone bowled decently. Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa shared two apiece while Nathan Ellis bagged three to his name. Clearly the pace off tactic and bashing the ball into the pitch, have worked in Australia's favor, as maximum wickets fell against those lengths. South Africa might feel that they left 20-25 runs with the way they were cruising in that middle phase, but the surface is still a mystery box and the way the Proteas bowled in the previous game, they will take a lot of inspiration from that. Also, remember, South Africa are yet to defeat Australia in a series of three T20Is. So, a lot is at stake. We shall be right back with the run chase on the other side. Stay tuned.

After the Powerplay, Dewald Brevis switched to overdrive mode with a burst of clean, authoritative hitting, racing to his fifty and powering South Africa's scoring rate. Dropped on 9, he made Australia pay in full, smoking it to all parts while Stubbs anchored with quiet composure. For a while, the two-paced pitch seemed to lose its sting as the partnership flourished. But once Brevis departed, the innings nosedived. The fluency vanished, and, fairly, no one else could quite find the middle of the bat. Australia clawed back with precision. Zampa’s wrong 'uns and leggies found just enough grip to stir a few gasps. From a dominant 110/3, South Africa slumped to 138/6, and tellingly, only two overs, the final two, after Brevis’ wicket, managed to reach double figures.

South Africa were jolted early as Markram fell to Hazlewood in the first over on a two-paced wicket. Timing proved elusive, with the ball occasionally skidding through and at other times holding up a bit. Pretorius arrived with intent, struck a few boundaries, and briefly lifted the tempo, but couldn’t stay long. Both sides traded punches early doors, as just 19 runs came off the first three overs before a burst of 27 in the next three hinted at a momentum shift at the end of the Powerplay.

Good score? Under par? That's surely the question circling in our minds after seeing what happened in the first innings. Australia might feel that they did a good job of restricting the Saffas below 200. There was no clear consensus on what a par score might be on this alien surface, and it certainly wasn’t as easy to bat on as Brevis made it seem. At one stage, South Africa looked set to cruise past 200 without breaking a sweat, but the wheels just came off midway through the innings, and the acceleration stalled.

19.6: Nathan Ellis to Kagiso Rabada, FOUR! Up and over! Why to farm the strike when Rabada is around? A short ball outside off, Kagiso Rabada reaches out and slaps it over cover for a boundary! 21 in the last 2 overs and SOUTH AFRICA FINISH ON 172/7!

19.5: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, Takes the single this time. Short in length, around off, Rassie reaches out and slaps it through mid off for one.

19.4: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, Full, on middle, van der Dussen looks to flick but gets a leading edge behind point. Does not take the single.

19.4: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, WIDE. Full, outside off, going way off the pitch from around the wicket, Rassie van der Dussen slashes hard but misses.

19.3: Nathan Ellis to Kagiso Rabada, Full, outside off, Kagiso Rabada swings for the heavens but misses. The batters go for the bye and the keeper, Josh Inglis, lobs it to the bowler, thinking he will run Rabada out at his end but Ellis does not throw.

Kagiso Rabada walks in next, at number 9, replacing Senuran Muthusamy.

19.2: Nathan Ellis to Senuran Muthusamy, OUT! CAUGHT! Another wicket falls to the short ball. Fourth, as per our calculations - Markram, Pretorius, Brevis and now Muthusamy. This is around off, Muthusamy goes for the pull but is done in by the bounce. Gets a top edge which flies in the air and Josh Hazlewood is stationed at short fine leg. But he makes a real meal of this and just about catches it to his right, with the ball going away from him. Those big buckets trap the ball. Muthusamy departs for 9 (8) and from 110/3, South Africa are now 165/7. 4 balls left.

19.1: Nathan Ellis to Senuran Muthusamy, EDGED, FOUR! South Africa will take how they come. A length ball, outside off, Senuran Muthusamy throws his hands at it and gets a thick outside edge, which flies through the vacant slip region to the deep third fence.

18.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Senuran Muthusamy, Slower ball, down the leg side, Senuran Muthusamy looks to access the leg side with a massive free real estate from deep square leg. But he ends up playing ay too early and the ball goes off the back of the bat to deep backward square leg. Just a single. 10 from the over, Ben Dwarshuis finishes with bowling figures of 4-0-37-0.

18.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, A short ball again, this time Rassie slaps the pull to deep mid-wicket for a single.

18.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, FOUR! HAMMERED! A short ball, outside off, angling away, Rassie van der Dussen comes down the track and slaps it over cover for a boundary!

18.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, A short ball now, pulled straight to short mid-wicket.

18.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, Down the leg side, helped through square leg for another couple.

18.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, From around the wicket, a low full toss on leg stump, Rassie van der Dussen is backing away to the leg side but ends up chipping it towards mid-wicket. There is no one there and Dwarshuis himself runs after the ball. Cameron Green comes in running from somewhere and Dwarshuis backs off. And then, Green attempting for a javelin throw of 100 metres, with Tim David eagerly waiting at the bowler's end, releases the hand rather than the ball and it drops down beside him. Two runs taken.

Ben Dwarshuis to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-27-0 so far.

17.6: Nathan Ellis to Senuran Muthusamy, Backs away to the leg side, does Muthusamy and Ellis angles this away from him, from outside off. Muthusamy slashes but misses.

17.5: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, On a length, around off, van der Dussen clips it through mid-wicket for one.

17.4: Nathan Ellis to Senuran Muthusamy, A short ball now, Senuran Muthusamy pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a run. 150 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA. 14 balls left.

17.3: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, On a length, outside off, steered behind point for a single.

17.2: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, Full, around off, clipped through mid on for a couple.

17.1: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, MISFIELD, FOUR! That's shoddy from the skipper. Full, outside off, Rassie van der Dussen drives it to the left of mid off. Mitchell Marsh gets across to his left and bends but the ball goes right through the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which seems to have been built just now in Cairns. Escapes to the ropes behind.

Nathan Ellis returns. 2-0-12-2 so far.

16.6: Josh Hazlewood to Senuran Muthusamy, Short, outside off, slashed behind point where a good piece of fielding saves the boundary. Two runs taken. A wicket and 4 runs from the over, 8/2 in the last 2 overs.

16.5: Josh Hazlewood to Rassie van der Dussen, On middle and leg, flicked towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

16.4: Josh Hazlewood to Senuran Muthusamy, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

16.3: Josh Hazlewood to Senuran Muthusamy, On a length, outside off, Senuran Muthusamy punches it towards point.

Senuran Muthusamy walks in next, at number 8, replacing Corbin Bosch.

16.2: Josh Hazlewood to Corbin Bosch, OUT! CAUGHT! Second wicket for Hazlewood. On a length, around off, angling in, Bosch tries to play a short-arm jab towards the leg side. Don't think he intended to find the boundary as there was barely any power or intent in that shot. But the timing was sweet and because there was no definite plan for either a boundary or a single, there was no clear intention to keep the ball down. He ends up hitting it much better than he would have wanted. The jab ends up straight into the hands of Nathan Ellis running in from deep mid-wicket. Bosch departs for 1 (4) and from 110/3, South Africa are now 138/6! 22 balls left.

16.1: Josh Hazlewood to Corbin Bosch, A yorker, on middle, Corbin Bosch digs it out nicely.

Josh Hazlewood is back on. 3-0-26-1 so far.

15.6: Adam Zampa to Corbin Bosch, Around off, bunted down to long off for a single. A wicket and just 4 runs from the over, Adam Zampa finishes with bowling figures of 4-0-24-2.

15.5: Adam Zampa to Corbin Bosch, Tossed up, around middle, driven down the ground but Zampa does well to make a half stop with a dive to his right.

Corbin Bosch walks in next, at number 7, replacing Tristan Stubbs.

15.4: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! BOWLED! Zampa has his man. The pressure was building on Stubbs, who was itching to do something. Since Brevis' departure, he had faced just 9 balls prior to this delivery, out of the team's 23 and scored just 7 runs. Tries to pre-meditate, getting across and aiming the paddle but misses a straight ball from Zampa. The ball crashes into the stumps. Stubbs departs for a scratchy 25 (23) and from 110/3, South Africa are now 137/5. 26 balls left.

15.3: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Tossed up slower through the air, outside off, Tristan Stubbs reaches out to clobber it through the leg side but misses.

15.2: Adam Zampa to Rassie van der Dussen, Tossed up, outside off, van der Dussen leans and drives it towards widish long off for a single.

15.1: Adam Zampa to Rassie van der Dussen, The googly, around off, Rassie van der Dussen clips it through mid-wicket for a couple.

That's 88/2 in 9 overs of the middle phase. Adam Zampa to bowl out. 3-0-20-1 so far.

14.6: Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Miscommunication but all's well in the end. Full, around off, Rassie clips it through square leg and takes the single. Stubbs touches the other end and comes halfway down the track for the second but is sent back. The fielder charges in from fine leg but throws it at the wrong end, to the bowler. Maybe, he might have had a better chance, had he gone to the keeper.

14.5: Glenn Maxwell to Tristan Stubbs, A full toss now, around off, Stubbs bunts it down to long on for a run.

14.4: Glenn Maxwell to Tristan Stubbs, Short, outside off, Tristan Stubbs rocks back and clips it through mid-wicket for a couple.

14.3: Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Outside off, pushed towards long on for a single.

14.2: Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, Full, around off, van der Dussen pushes it back to the bowler.

14.1: Glenn Maxwell to Rassie van der Dussen, FOUR! Is that a case of misjudgement? Full, around off, Rassie van der Dussen flicks it towards deep mid-wicket. Nathan Ellis is standing way too inside the boundary, nearly 15-20 yards and has to leap full stretch. The ball goes over his hands and meets the fence.

13.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, Outside off, punched through the covers for one more.

13.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Tristan Stubbs, Off cutter, angling away outside off, Tristan jumps down the track and looks to heave, but gets it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket. A single taken.

13.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, Slower ball, on a length, worked through fine leg for a run.

13.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Tristan Stubbs, A short ball, down the leg side, Stubbs looks to tuck it fine but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads and escapes towards square leg. A leg bye taken.

13.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Rassie van der Dussen, Another misfield. On a length, outside off, Rassie van der Dussen punches it through the covers, where the fielder gets down but the ball goes through. Mitchell Marsh jogs after it from mid off, and manages to get to the ball with a slide near the ropes. Three runs taken. Clearly, he does not want to challenge his family history of hamstring issues.

13.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Tristan Stubbs, A short ball, down the leg side, Tristan Stubbs pulls it towards long leg for a single.

Interesting. Talk about matchups. Nathan Ellis has now dismissed Dewald Brevis twice in 2 meetings in T20 cricket, in 5 balls, for just 3 runs! Seems like the stat paper was away from Marsh. Here's Ben Dwarshuis again. 2-0-20-0 so far.

12.6: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Full, around off, Stubbs clips it through mid-wicket for one.

12.5: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Beautifully flighted, outside off, slower through the air, Stubbs comes half forward to defend but is beaten on the outside edge.

12.4: Adam Zampa to Rassie van der Dussen, Short, outside off, punched through mid off for one.

12.3: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Another quicker googly, outside off, Tristan Stubbs fetches it from the stumps and pushes it through the covers for a run.

12.2: Adam Zampa to Rassie van der Dussen, Down the leg side, van der Dussen works it through square leg for a single.

12.1: Adam Zampa to Rassie van der Dussen, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Rassie van der Dussen looks to flick but the ball holds on the surface a touch. Lobs off the face of the bat but drops down quickly on the pitch.

11.6: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, Outside off, van der Dussen punches it through the covers for a run. A wicket and 5 runs from the over, Ellis' bowling figures read 2-0-12-2.

11.5: Nathan Ellis to Rassie van der Dussen, Full, on middle, Rassie van der Dussen flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple to get off the mark.

Rassie van der Dussen walks in next, at number 6, replacing Dewald Brevis.

11.4: Nathan Ellis to Dewald Brevis, OUT! CAUGHT! A stunner from Maxwell. It was he who had dropped Brevis when on 9. It is Maxwell who catches one to dismiss Brevis on 53. A terrific catch to end a terrific knock. Ellis goes for the bumper and Dewald Brevis tries to take him on. Goes for the pull but this one hits the bat on the higher side. As a result, while there is elevation, the distance is not the complete one, due to lack of clean contact. It goes to the right of wide long on but Glenn Maxwell charges across to his right and dives full stretch to take a blinder. The 61-run stand is broken And Ellis has his second. Brevis departs for a breathtaking 53 (26) and South Africa are 110/4 after 11.4 overs!

11.3: Nathan Ellis to Tristan Stubbs, Slower ball, on middle, Stubbs chips it down the ground to long on for a run.

11.2: Nathan Ellis to Tristan Stubbs, Full, outside off, Tristan Stubbs drives it towards cover.

11.1: Nathan Ellis to Dewald Brevis, Around the wicket straightaway, from Ellis, on a length, Dewald Brevis punches it towards sweeper cover for a single.

The runs are coming at will now. 39 in the last 2 overs. Nathan Ellis is back on. 1-0-7-1 so far.

10.6: Adam Zampa to Dewald Brevis, On middle, Brevis pushes it towards long on for one.

10.5: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Outside off, pushed towards short third for a quick run.

10.4: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Toyed away! Zampa dishes out a slider, on middle and full. Tristan Stubbs is quick to switch the stance and reverses it over backward point for a boundary.

10.3: Adam Zampa to Dewald Brevis, Short, outside off, Dewald Brevis stays leg side of the ball and punches it towards wide long off for a run.

10.2: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, The googly, on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs works it through mid-wicket for a single. 

10.1: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! More runs! Fuller and flatter, on the stumps. Tristan Stubbs reverse sweeps it between backward point and cover for a boundary. The 100 is up for South Africa and the 50 partnership also comes up between Brevis and Stubbs!

Difficult to bat? Says who? Definitely not Brevis, who clobbered 26 runs in the previous over himself! Well, that over brings 200 back into reckoning for the Saffas. Or even more. Adam Zampa returns. 1-0-4-1 so far.

9.6: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, SIX! Sails just over! FIFTY FOR DEWALD BREVIS! IN JUST 22 BALLS! He is into the overdrive mode and hitting the ball just so cleanly. Wide on off on a shortish length, sits up nicely for the batter. Dewald Brevis throws his blade and brings the bottom hand to play once again. Lofts it over deep point. Nathan Ellis flings himself towards the ball in the deep, but falls over the ropes with the ball sailing behind him.

9.6: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, WIDE. Attempted slower ball goes awry, a bouncer, well over the head of Brevis who ducks.

9.5: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, SIX! The ball is just sailing over the fence! Another full ball from Hardie, a genuine half volley, around off. Dewald Brevis gets his bat under the ball and, with no intentions to keep it down, smokes it gun-barrel straight over the bowler for a monstrous six. A hat-trick of sixes for Dewald Brevis and he moves to 44 off just 21!

Concussion check? That ball has landed right on the head of one of the spectators. The ball has escaped beyond the fence after landing on his head and that would have been a painful blow. Hope that the gentleman is fine.

9.4: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, SIX! OUTTA HERE! Aaron stretches the length, goes full and on off. Dewald Brevis finds the ball in his wheelhouse and lofts it miles behind long on for a mammoth six. 

This one won't come back for sure. It has gone onto the road! Out comes the fourth umpire with a box of replacement balls.

9.3: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, SIX! THAT HAS GONE MILES! He has been so productive in that region! Shoots in a length delivery, does Hardie, on the top of off. Dewald Brevis throws everything he has got in the tank. Pulls it off the middle and sails the ball on the roof, behind deep square leg. A no-look shot from Brevis as he holds his posture for a bit for the photographers.

9.2: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, Short, outside off, Brevis slaps it to the right of Ben Dwarshuis at deep point and charges back for the second.

9.1: Aaron Hardie to Dewald Brevis, On a length, outside off, Dewald Brevis looks to drive but this one holds off the deck. Goes off the inner half of the bat back to the bowler.

So far, we have seen 2 overs of spin. There is a hint of turn but the ball is not stopping onto the batters. Aaron Hardie is back on. 1-0-6-0 so far.

8.6: Glenn Maxwell to Tristan Stubbs, Quicker ball, the arm ball, outside off, 95.9 kph, Tristan Stubbs looks to drive but is beaten.

8.5: Glenn Maxwell to Dewald Brevis, Full, outside off, Brevis stays back and defends it past the bowler, for a run.

8.4: Glenn Maxwell to Tristan Stubbs, JUST IN! Brilliant work from Travis Head, nonetheless! Flatter and fuller on the stumps, drifting in. Stubbs switches his stance and reverse sweeps it to pierce the backward point and short third gap. But Head, stationed at the former position, is quick to dive full stretch and stop the ball. The batters skate through to steal a single, and seeing Brevis struggling to make his ground, Head releases a rocket throw towards Josh Inglis. Brevis is forced to dive to drag his bat in as Inglis breaks the stumps in a snap. However, the replay shows that Brevis is just in. 

Is that gone? There is a run out appeal against Dewald Brevis which has been referred upstairs. No celebrations in the Aussie camp and the first replay shows why. Brevis has dived into the crease before Inglis could even touch the stumps.

8.3: Glenn Maxwell to Dewald Brevis, Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

8.2: Glenn Maxwell to Tristan Stubbs, Tossed up, outside off, Stubbs leans and punches it through mid off for a single.

8.1: Glenn Maxwell to Tristan Stubbs, Full, outside off, Tristan Stubbs looks to sweep but gets a thick inside edge through square leg. Two runs taken.

What's in a misfield? Ask Dwarshuis. The first ball of the previous over was supposed to be a dot. One poor execution of fielding and the next 4 balls go for 11. That's why, every ball is so important. Here's Glenn Maxwell.

7.6: Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Landed around off, Stubbs punches it straight back. Hazlewood tries to get around to his right to stop the ball, gets down but the ball escapes through. Single taken.

7.5: Josh Hazlewood to Dewald Brevis, On a length, outside off, Dewald pushes it towards backward point in the deep for a run.

7.4: Josh Hazlewood to Dewald Brevis, SIX! TOP EDGE AND INTO THE STANDS! Shortish delivery, on the bodyline, nipping into the batter. Dewald Brevis swings to pull, but gets a top edge. However, the ball sails over deep backward square leg for half a dozen. In fact, that has gone into the stands.

7.3: Josh Hazlewood to Dewald Brevis, On a good length, around off, Brevis is tight in his defense.

7.2: Josh Hazlewood to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Just gets it through! Almost a half tracker, outside off. Dewald Brevis gets the ball at good height and crunches it to the immediate left of Zampa stationed at backward point. That was hit with such ferocity that Zampa didn't get enough time to intercept.

7.1: Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, On a length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs opens the face of his bat and guides it past a diving backward point. Actually, it was straight to the fielder but Ben Dwarshuis put in a lazy slide and the ball goes through. A single taken.

Good start by Zampa. 4 runs and a wicket to kickstart his night. Actually, he should have had both batters. Only if Maxwell had not slowed down while trying to take that catch. Josh Hazlewood returns. 2-0-13-1 so far.

6.6: Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Wrong 'un to finish, outside off, Stubbs leans and drives it towards long off for a single. 50 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Tristan Stubbs walks in next, at number 5, replacing Ryan Rickelton.

6.5: Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! STRAIGHT UP, AND TAKEN! Adam Zampa, who has quite a decent record in white ball cricket at this venue, strikes in his first over! Pushes it through, full and outside the off stump line. It is the googly and is not picked up off the hands of the bowler by Ryan Rickelton. He goes for the premeditated sweep shot, but the ball spins away and takes the top edge. It balloons up in the night sky, but just to the right of the keeper. Josh Inglis takes a few steps to his right, settles under it and gobbles up a regulation catch. South Africa lose their third wicket on 49. Ryan Rickelton departs for a run-a-ball 13.

6.4: Adam Zampa to Dewald Brevis, Short again, the googly this time, Dewald works it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

6.3: Adam Zampa to Dewald Brevis, Short, outside off, slower through the air, Brevis rocks back and punches it straight to cover.

6.2: Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on middle, Ryan Rickelton comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

6.1: Adam Zampa to Dewald Brevis, IN THE AIR... Dropped! If anyone could have gotten to that ball, it was Glenn Maxwell, but he didn't manage to catch it. Dropped short from Zampa, on the stumps. Dewald Brevis hangs back and tries to pull it over the leg side, but ends up slicing it up miles in the air, to the left of long on. Glenn Maxwell runs to his left, puts in a dive, but rather than going for the catch with both hands, he sticks his left hand out and goes for a one-handed attempt, and puts it down. The batters cross over. Maxwell appears to be in some pain as he lands on his left shoulder, but eventually gets back on his feet and takes his position.

Seven boundaries and a six. That's 34 runs in 8 balls of the Powerplay. The remaining 28 balls yielded 12 runs and 2 wickets. Here's Adam Zampa.

5.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, On a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton punches it through the covers but cannot get it past Cameron Green. 7 from the over, 46/2 in the Powerplay!

5.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Dewald Brevis, Full, around off, DB pushes it towards mid off for a quick single.

Seems like we have lost the ball! Oh wait. Someone has managed to retrieve it from the roof.

5.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Dewald Brevis, SIX! ON THE ROOF! That was six the moment he hit it! Ben Dwarshuis digs in a bumper, short and on the shoulder height of the batter. Dewald Brevis picks the length in a snap, positions himself well before swiveling and pulling it miles, on the roof behind deep square leg.

5.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Dewald Brevis, Misses out again. Short and outside off, angling away, Dewald punches it away, but finds Cameron Green at cover.

5.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Dewald Brevis, Just outside off, on a length, Brevis drives it beautifully, but finds cover.

5.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Dewald Brevis, Full and straight, Dewald Brevis drives it straight back. Dwarshuis bends to stop the ball and deflects it towards mid on.

Final over of the Powerplay.

4.6: Nathan Ellis to Dewald Brevis, Fuller delivery, in front of the sticks, Dewald Brevis plays with a straight bat and drives it to mid on for a single.

Reload. Ellis comes running in but at the time of delivering, loses his footing and bails out. Looks back at the place where his left foot landed.

4.5: Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, The pace is taken off the ball, on a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton waits and nudges it to the left of mid on for a quick single.

4.4: Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Edgy, but through the gap! Just around the off stump, on a good length. Ryan Rickelton taps the front foot on the crease but does not get to the pitch of the ball. Goes through the shot to access the off side, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball shoots to the left of the short third fielder for a boundary.

4.3: Nathan Ellis to Dewald Brevis, Full, on middle and leg, Dewald Brevis flicks it behind square leg for a single to get off the mark.

The hero of the previous game, Baby AB, Dewald Brevis, walks in next, at number 4, replacing Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

4.2: Nathan Ellis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, OUT! CAUGHT! Sometimes, your strength can be your weakness. Smart captaincy from Mitchell Marsh. It is well documented that Lhuan-dre Pretorius likes to play square on the leg side. So logically, captains might prefer to have a deep mid-wicket and give him the single. Instead, Marsh leaves deep mid-wicket open and keeps only one man inside the ring at square on the leg side. Ellis bowls it short and asks Pretorius to go for his favourite shot. The youngster obliges and pulls but neither does he go over the top, nor does he keep the ball down. Finds the only man at mid-wicket, where Aaron Hardie makes no mistake. The 30-run stand is broken and a disappointed Pretorius trudges off, after looking so good for 24 (15). South Africa are 32/2 after 4.2 overs.

4.1: Nathan Ellis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Full, around off, Lhuan-dre Pretorius gets down on a knee to slog it to the leg side but is way too early into the shot and gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

24 runs in the last 2 overs. Pretorius has scored 19 of those! Nathan Ellis to bowl now.

3.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Around off, on a good length, Lhuan-dre Pretorius pushes it to the right of the bowler, towards mid off and calls Ryan through for a single. The man at mid off collects the ball and releases a wayward throw to the keeper, where Inglis fails to collect. But with the backup fielder at short fine leg, the batters settle with a single.

3.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, FOUR! Intent! Short of a good length, on the stumps. Lhuan-dre Pretorius plays with a flat bat and drags it to the right of the diving mid on fielder for a boundary.

3.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, FOUR! Races away! That teased Josh Inglis all the way through the ropes! Onto the pads, on a length, Lhuan-dre Pretorius uses his wrists and tucks it behind to deep fine leg. The ball loses its steam a bit, and Josh Inglis gives a sprint to chase it down. However, the ball has got enough wheels to beat the Aussie keeper.

3.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Gives himself room this time, does Pretorius, and Dwarshuis bowls it outside off. Not wide, but just outside off. However, LdP is so far down the leg side that he cannot reach the ball.

3.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, FOUR! Lovely shot. Full and on middle and leg, Pretorius jumps down the track and chips it over the bowler for a boundary.

3.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Full, outside off, little bit of shape away, Lhuan-dre Pretorius pushes it defensively towards cover.

That previous over just got the Proteas a bit of a lift. Scoring two boundaries of Josh Hazlewood would have given the batters immense confidence. Time for Ben Dwarshuis.

2.6: Josh Hazlewood to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, On top of middle and off, on a tight line and length. Lhuan-dre Pretorius swivels in the crease and pulls it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

2.5: Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Geez, almost chopped on! Good-length delivery, outside off, Ryan Rickelton attempts to punch it into the off side, but gets a big inside edge and the ball dribbles past the stumps to the short fine leg region. They cross over.

2.4: Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Up and over! That in-between length, on middle and leg. Ryan Rickelton stands tall and heaves it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Not exactly off the middle of the blade just yet, but he gets it through.

2.3: Josh Hazlewood to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Short, on middle and leg, Lhuan-dre pulls it behind square leg for a single.

2.2: Josh Hazlewood to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, FOUR! Not cleanly timed but will get the result. A length ball, around off, angling away, Pretorius looks to heave it over mid-wicket perhaps. But the ball kind of sticks onto the surface. As a result, he is early into the shot and miscues it over mid on. Finds the boundary. Interestingly, after playing that shot, he was looking straight up and thought he had top-edged that!

2.1: Josh Hazlewood to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, On a length, around leg and middle, extra bounce, Lhuan-dre Pretorius gets across but gets surprised by the bounce and pushes it back to the bowler.

1.6: Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, Play and a miss! Excellent over by Aaron Hardie! Keeps the line of attack outside off, on a yard behind fuller length. Ryan Rickelton with barely any footwork, pushes at the delivery and is beaten on the outside edge. Just 6 off that over.

1.5: Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, On a back of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton rises on the toes and mistimes his backfoot punch, a bit uppishly and on the bounce to mid off. Still, no proper timing off the bat.

1.4: Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, Angles across and outside off, on a good length. Ryan Rickelton plays from the crease and tries to cut it square on the off side, but the ball passes above his anged bat.

1.3: Aaron Hardie to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dropped short now, around middle and leg, LdP pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a run.

1.2: Aaron Hardie to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, FOUR! FETCH THAT! No holding back from Pretorius. A length ball, around off, Lhuan-dre Pretorius swings this across the line and gets it over mid on for the first boundary of the game.

1.1: Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, Full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton leans and drives it to the right of mid off for a single.

Ummm... is this the reason why Marsh opted to bowl? Normally, batting is considered to be difficult at this venue. And looking at that opening over, where driving and punching seemed to be difficult, it is pretty confusing to even guage the deck. Maybe, Marsh did not want to take that risk and hence, wanted to see how South Africa go about their batting and learn accordingly. Here's Aaron Hardie for the first time in this series.

0.6: Josh Hazlewood to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Full and angled outside off, Lhuan-dre Pretorius works it to the off side. A successful opening over for Hazlewood and Australia.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius walks in next, at number 3, replacing his skipper, Aiden Markram.

0.5: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Josh Hazlewood provides an early breakthrough with a ripper of a delivery! Hoff slams the deck hard and keeps it outside the off stump. It lands and kicks up a bit while also nipping away a shy bit. Aiden Markram leans back and tries to cut it square on the off side, but that extra bounce does him in. Only manages to get a thick outside edge and the ball flies towards Cameron Green at first slip. The tall, lanky Green takes it comfortably and Aiden Markram stares at the crease in surprise, before walking back. He departs for 1 (3) and South Africa are 2/1!

0.4: Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Rickelton is off the mark too! Full and straight, on off, Ryan Rickelton gets on the front foot and forces it to the left of mid off for a single.

0.3: Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Fractionally short of full, around off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton pushes it towards point.

0.2: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Similar ball, this time Markram waits for the ball to arrive and pushes it towards point for a single.

0.1: Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, outside off, Aiden Markram sets himself up to drive through the off side but the ball kicks back in and catches him by surprise. He ends up dabbing it away.

The players disperse and we are ready for action. Needless to say, everyone will be wearing black-arm bands. Josh Hazlewood will start things off for the game. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are walking out to open for the Proteas. For some reason, Tim David is marking his runup near the crease! Will he bowl tonight? Definitely not now though. He rarely bowls these days. Off we go then, finally. Hoff to Markram.

The players are on the field, but will observe a minute's silence. This is as a mark of respect for the late Bob Simpson, former Aussie skipper, who passed away this morning, aged 89. He was also a full-time coach of Australia, helping them re-emerge in the late 80s and the 90s. Simpson averaged 46.81 in Tests, which included 10 centuries and 27 fifties. His best score was of 311, against England in Manchester. He was also a handy leg spinner, picking up 71 wickets.

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis (WK) (In for Alex Carey), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie (In for Mitchell Owen), Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis (In for Sean Abbott), Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Ryan Rickelton (WK), Aiden Markram (C), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy (In for Nqabayomzi Peter), Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi.

South African captain Aiden Markram says they would have batted first as there's not much data about this venue. Is hopeful that the wicket stays well. Mentions that they will take the confidence from the previous game, but also stresses that they will need to start well with both bat and ball. Informs one change as Senuran Muthusamy is back in the side for Nqabayomzi Peter.

The captain of Australia, Mitchell Marsh, first says that they haven't played at this venue a lot and will try to get as much information about the pitch as possible and make good decisions. Confidently says that their aim is to win the series and learn from the mistakes in the previous game. Informs that they have three changes. Nathan Ellis, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie come in the side.

TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Australia and Mitchell Marsh elects to BOWL first.