Win Projections to be updated soon
3rd T20I, Cape Town, February 26, 2020, 09:30 PM
Australia
193/5(20.0ov)
South Africa
96/10(15.3ov)
Australia beat South Africa by 97 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Mitchell Starc
Commentry
Right. A domination by the Aussies. They had a blank mind for 30 minutes during the closing stages of that second T20I - else it would have been a whitewash. Will the ODIs be better for the Proteas? Let us hope for some competitiveness. The first ODI starts on Saturday, 29th February, 2020 and it is a day-night affair at Boland Park, Paarl. Join us at 1 pm local (1100 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Victorious Australian skipper, AARON FINCH, HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE SERIES. Feels great to be back amongst the runs and adds that the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. On his excellent running between the wickets with Warner, Finch says that running is something which the Australians pride themselves on and keep striving for it. On the importance of scoring runs in the Powerplay, Aaron says that most sides go hard at the start and at the death while the middle overs is where teams lose their way. So, if you keep wickets intact in the Powerplay, it helps you set a big total. Is proud of the way David Warner fought in the series, though, feels sad that he could not get his team home in the previous T20I. Lauds the bowlers and in general is happy that the group is consistent.
MITCHELL STARC HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Believes that all the bowlers have done well in this series. On taking Quinton de Kock, Starc says that he is a key player who can take off in the Powerplay and if he gets out early, the middle order can be put under pressure. On Ashton Agar's resurgence in this series, Starc smiles but says that every other bowler has been excellent too. On being asked whether Australia are the favourites for the T20 World Cup, Mitchell says that there are still plenty of games to go and as a group, they need to continue to do well and build on the momentum.
South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, admits that it is a very poor defeat but just hopes that his team puts its heads down and look forward. Does not quite agree that it was a bat-first pitch but feels that Australia got 20 runs above par. On the preparations for the World Cup, de Kock says that winning more matches would be a start. Adds that they are not playing T20Is for a while, so when they start doing, they will focus more. On being asked whether Australia are favourites for the T20 World Cup, de Kock smiles. Says that the Aussies have been competitive, regardless of any format and the T20 World Cup would be no different, especially given that they are playing at home. Looking towards his own side, Quinny is looking forward to some fresh faces in the ODIs and hopes to win that series.
Earlier in the day, Australia welcomes Quinton de Kock's invitation to bat first by getting off to a flier. 75 in the Powerplay, 114 in the first 10. Aaron Finch and David Warner punished every bowler who came to bowl but the Proteas did come back. A bit too late. A Steven Smith special took them to 193, which perhaps shut the door. Every Protea bowler struggled, barring Shamsi, who managed to prevent 200 being breached. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Before the start of this tour, Adam Zampa had told in the press conference that he was really eager to bowl in tandem with Ashton Agar as the latter helps him bowl well. First match - 6.3-0-33-7. Second match - 8-0-65-1. Third match - 7-0-26-5. It is no secret that the Proteas are not good players of spin and coach Justin Langer played his cards to perfection in picking the squad for this T20I series.
Quinton de Kock opined at the toss that the pitch will play better under lights, but he was proved totally wrong. Mitchell Starc struck in his very first over, got de Kock and that was it. These last two series have shown that if the skipper does not perform, the rest of the batsmen simply do not turn up and that is too much to ask for a bloke who has to keep wickets and then turn up to open as well. There was a brief partnership between van der Dussen and Klaasen but it was not big enough to challenge the Aussies.
Did the match get lost at the toss itself? In hindsight, certainly yes. The pitch looked dry and even Aaron Finch felt that batting would get tougher as the game progressed. Figure this out - Australia raced to 114/0 in 10 overs but then managed just 59 in the next 9 overs. A Steven Smith special helped them get close to 200 but now, looking at this victory margin, even 175 would have been enough.
Blown away in Jo'burg. Blown away in Cape Town. A nervous breakdown in Port Elizabeth. Well, if the latter had not happened, Australia were well on course for a 3-0 whitewash. They have steamrolled the opposition batsmen in every match and had it not been for a de Kock special in the second game, the batting statistics would have been embarrassing to view.
15.3
W
OUT! LBW! That is all over! Full delivery on middle, Rabada looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Ball Tracker later on shows that it is umpire's call and hitting the leg stump. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 97 RUNS AND TAKE THE SERIES 2-1!
15.2
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Starc! Full delivery on middle, Rabada flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
15.1
1
On a length on middle, Shamsi looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
Mitchell Starc is back on.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0W
0W
0
Ashton Agar 16/3(4)
14.6
1
Floated delivery on middle, Shamsi flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
14.5
.
Flighted delivery on off, Shamsi keeps it out.
14.4
.
No hat-trick for Agar. A speedy delivery on middle, around 106 kph, Shamsi gets back to defend but ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in. Can he at least avert the hat-trick?
14.3
W
OUT! BOWLED! Two in two for Ashton! Agar gets his third wicket! Flighted delivery on middle, Ngidi looks to loft it but misses it completely and gets bowled. Ashton Agar is on a hat-trick now.
Lungi Ngidi is the next batsman in.
14.2
W
OUT! LBW! The demolition is almost close to completion now. Full and straight, the arm ball, Nortje looks to play the reverse sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. Agar appeals and the umpire raises his finger.
14.1
.
Short and outside off, punched through the covers but straight to cover.
Ashton Agar is back on.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
0W
Mitchell Marsh 21/3(3)
13.6
1
On a length on middle, Nortje flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
13.5
.
Good length delivery outside off, Nortje looks to cut but misses it.
13.4
1
On a good length on off, Rabada looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. Pat Cummins goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it. The batsmen take a run.
13.3
1
Short and outside off, Nortje cuts it through point for a single.
13.2
.
On a good length on middle, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
Anrich Nortje is the new batsman in.
13.1
W
OUT! LBW! Three reds and number 7 is there in the wickets' column for South Africa. Mitchell Marsh, much like Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka, bowls once in a blue moon. And like the moon seen in the month of Ramadan, both bring joy to millions of fans, reiterating that they should be bowling more. 26th January 2020 might be one such day. Because Angelo Mathews struck in the SL-WI ODI and Mr. Marsh, after not bowling throughout the series, has struck on his very first ball. Full and straight, Pretorius looks to swing across the line but misses and is hit on the pads. Marsh appeals, the umpire thinks for a while and then raises his finger. Pretorius goes for the review perhaps because he hit it or probably more so because he is the last recognized batsman. Nothing on the Ultra Edge and he is already on his bike. Here comes Ball Tracker. Crashing into off stump. So 87 strikes. Not once, not twice. But not against Australia. For them.
Pretorius has been adjudged LBW! Did he nick it? He has taken the review. Does not look like he hit it. Nothing on the Ultra Edge. Pretorius is already walking off. Because Ball Tracker is showing it to be hitting the off stump.
Surprise, surprise! Mitchell Marsh into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
1wd
1wd
6
1
2
Pat Cummins 27/1(3)
12.6
.
A length ball, outside off, tapped straight to short third man. 12 runs from the over, but a big wicket of David Miller as well. 3-0-27-1 for Patrick.
Kagiso Rabada walks in at number 8, replacing Miller.
12.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! 87 strikes! That might be the final nail in the coffin for South Africa. Full delivery on off, Miller lofts it uppishly towards covers where Finch comes forward and takes a good catch. Finch immediately celebrates, clearly indicating how big that wicket is for Australia. The hosts need 107 runs in 43 balls to win the match.
12.4
1
Length delivery outside off, Pretorius punches it towards long off for a single.
12.4
1wd
WIDE! Cummins bowls it wide outside off, Pretorius leaves it alone.
12.4
1wd
WIDE! Cummins bowls a bouncer, Pretorius looks to play an upper cut but lets it sail through to the keeper.
12.3
6
SIX! That is huge! Short delivery on middle, Pretorius pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
12.2
1
A length ball, outside off, thumped through the covers for a run.
12.1
2
A short ball, around middle, Miller pulls it through mid-wicket. Ashton Agar should have stopped that but he fumbles and concedes the second.
Pace is back. That will make the Proteas feel a lot better. Pat Cummins returns. 2-0-15-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
1
Adam Zampa 10/2(3)
11.6
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
11.5
1
Short and outside off, cut through point for one more.
11.4
1
Full and outside off, Miller reverse sweeps it through fine leg where Ashton Agar dives to his left and makes a fine stop. Just a run.
11.3
1
Short and around middle, skids through, stays low, Pretorius looks to pull but gets a thick inside edge towards short fine leg. A single taken.
11.2
.
NOT OUT! Pretorius is safe! Carey has missed a stumping chance here. Flighted delivery on middle, the googly, Pretorius comes down the track and looks to go big but misses it. It goes towards the keeper where Alex Carey fumbles and takes the bails off. It is referred upstairs. Replays show that Carey did not collect it cleanly and he collected it on one bounce and then took the bails off. Replays also show the effect of the new rules. The bat first came into the crease, then bounced up and the bails were dislodged. As per the earlier rules, this would have been out. But as per the new ones, because the bat was in the first time, it does not matter if it was raised later.
11.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Miller comes down the track and pushes it through mid on for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
1
Ashton Agar 15/1(3)
10.6
1
On middle, Miller comes down the track and drives it through mid on for a run.
10.5
1
Floated delivery on middle, Pretorius flicks it towards square leg for a single.
10.4
.
The quicker one on middle, worked straight to short mid-wicket.
10.3
1
Outside off, short in length, cut through point for one more.
10.2
1
Short and outside off, cut to sweeper cover for a run.
10.1
1
Full on middle, Miller comes down the track and whips it down to long on for a single.
Dwaine Pretorius is the next batsman in.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
1
2
0
Adam Zampa 5/2(2)
9.6
W
OUT! TIMBER! Zampa bowls a googly on off and middle, Biljon looks to flick but misses it and gets bowled. He read the ball very late. Adam Zampa gets his second wicket. South Africa need 129 runs in 60 balls.
9.5
.
Floated delivery on leg, van Biljon looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
9.4
.
Tossed up delivery on off, van Biljon plays it towards covers.
9.3
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Miller comes down the track and flicks it through square leg for a single.
9.2
2
Full and around middle, the googly, David gets down and sweeps it through square leg. Mitchell Marsh lumbers across to his right, dives and seeing that, Miller takes a late call to go for the second. Makes it with ease.
9.1
.
Full and down the leg side, Miller jumps down the track, looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. An LBW appeal ensues but to no avail.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0W
1
1
Ashton Agar 10/1(2)
8.6
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Miller flicks it through mid on for a single.
8.5
1
Tossed up delivery on off, van Biljon drives it through mid off for a run.
8.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Miller flicks it through mid on for a single.
Pite van Biljon is the new batsman in.
8.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT THIS TIME! Excellent fielding from Adam Zampa. This one is to him. Full and around off, van der Dussen gets across and looks to play the paddle over the keeper, just like he did on the first ball. But what he does not realize is, after that shot on the first ball, Aaron Finch has moved short third man a bit finer, to his left. Adam Zampa reacts well, races swiftly to his left and takes a good diving catch! Both set batsmen out in the span of 7 balls. South Africa need to rebuild. 135 more needed from 69 balls.
8.2
1
Floated delivery on middle, Miller flicks it towards square leg for a single.
8.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Klaasen plays a paddle sweep over the keeper's head. Adam Zampa from short third man does well to stop it. The batsmen cross ends.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
1
1
Adam Zampa 2/1(1)
7.6
.
On middle and leg, Miller looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
7.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, David plays it to point.
7.4
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Miller defends it off the back foot.
Killer Miller is here. Needs to play a killing innings.
7.3
W
OUT! BOWLED! Zampa gets his first. Floated delivery on middle, Klaasen looks to play a reverse sweep but misses it and gets bowled. That was a risky shot from Heinrich Klaasen but cannot blame him. The required rate was mounting. A decent stand of 34 has been cut short. 137 more needed from 75 balls.
7.2
1
Flighted delivery on middle, van der Dussen punches it through mid on for a single.
7.1
1
Floated delivery on off, Klaasen punches it towards point for a single.
Spin from both ends. Adam Zampa is on now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Ashton Agar 5/0(1)
6.6
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Klaasen sweeps it towards short fine leg where Richardson dives to his left and makes a fine stop. The batsmen cross ends.
6.5
1
Loopy delivery on off, van der Dussen guides it towards third man for a single.
6.4
1
Short delivery outside off, Klaasen cuts it through point for a single.
6.3
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Rassie flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
6.2
1
Floated delivery on middle, Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
6.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Klaasen punches it to point.
Spin time. Ashton Agar gets the ball in his hand.
In over# 1
1
2
1
4
0
1
Kane Richardson 17/0(2)
5.6
1
Full delivery on off, Klaasen drives it towards mid off and takes a quick single. End of the Powerplay. South Africa are 50/2 after 6 overs as compared to Australia who were 75/0. It is a good recovery from the Proteas, after they lost two wickets early.
5.5
2
On a length on middle, Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
5.4
1
Length delivery outside off, this time Rassie punches it through covers, straight to the sweeper, for a run.
5.3
4
FOUR! Cracking shot! Short and wide outside off, van der Dussen cuts it hard through point for a boundary. The good thing about that shot is that there is a sweeper and Rassie had to beat him, which he did.
5.2
.
Short and outside off, van der Dussen punches it towards covers.
5.1
1
On a length on middle, Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
4
Pat Cummins 15/0(2)
4.6
1
On a length on off, Klaasen punches it towards point for a single.
4.5
1
Full delivery on off, Rassie drives it towards covers for a run.
4.4
1
Full delivery on off, Klaasen drives it back towards the bowler where Cummins tries to stop it but it hits his foot and goes towards cover. The batsmen take a single.
4.3
1
Length delivery on off, van der Dussen guides it towards third man for a single.
4.2
1
On a length on middle, Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
4.1
4
FOUR! Fine finding of the gap! On a length outside off, Klaasen just punches it. The ball is perfectly bisecting short third man and backward point and racing to the fence! 158 more needed from 95 balls now.
Change of ends for Pat Cummins. 1-0-6-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
6
0
0
1
Kane Richardson 8/0(1)
3.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, van der Dussen looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one.
3.5
1
On a length on off, Klaasen punches it towards point for a run.
3.4
6
SIX! That is clobbered! Short of a length delivery, Klaasen pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
3.3
.
Length delivery on off, Klaasen plays it to covers.
3.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Klaasen looks to cut but misses it.
3.1
1
Length delivery on off, van der Dussen punches it towards covers for a single.
Kane Richardson is on.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0W
1
4
4
1wd
0
Mitchell Starc 18/2(2)
2.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Klaasen looks to guide but misses it. Starc goes for 11 but also gets the wicket of Faf.
2.6
1wd
WIDE! Short delivery down the leg side, Klaasen lets it go.
Heinrich Klaasen walks in at number 4, replacing Faf du Plessis. For those who don't know, he injured himself 5 minutes before the toss in the first game. Today too, he had to pass a fitness test and then get in. Big job on his hands.
2.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Well, Zampa is smiling but he nearly let that one slip. Full delivery wide outside off, would have been a wide had it been untouched but du Plessis goes after it. Reaches out and looks to go over covers but gets a top edge. It goes towards third man where Adam Zampa initially comes running in but loses it someway during his run. He then has to backtrack and somehow clasps onto it, behind his head. Two wickets in as many overs for Starc.
2.4
1
Full delivery on off, van der Dussen drives it towards covers for a run.
2.3
4
FOUR! This is even better! Short and outside off, van der Dussen slaps it over covers for a boundary.
2.2
4
FOUR! Wow. That is some shot. Full delivery on middle, bowled at none slower than 146 kph, van der Dussen hammers it straight back over the bowler, down the ground to the long on fence.
2.2
1wd
WIDE! Full and wide outside off, Rassie leaves it alone.
2.1
.
Short delivery just outside off, van der Dussen looks to pull but misses it.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
2
Pat Cummins 6/0(1)
1.6
1
Short delivery on off, van der Dussen cuts it towards point for a run.
1.5
1
Length delivery on off, du Plessis punches it towards point for a single.
1.4
1
On a good length on off, van der Dussen defends it towards covers for a run.
1.3
1
On a length on middle, du Plessis flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
1.2
.
Length delivery on off, du Plessis punches it to covers.
1.1
2
On a length on middle, du Plessis flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
4
1
1
Mitchell Starc 7/1(1)
0.6
1
Short delivery on leg, du Plessis flicks it towards square leg for a single. Terrific start from Mitchell Starc.
0.5
.
No wide signalled! Strange. Full delivery down the leg side, du Plessis looks to flick but misses it. The former skipper looks at the square leg umpire, then the main umpire and stays bemused. Did that hit the pads? No confirmation.
Faf du Plessis is the new batsman in.
0.4
W
OUT! BOWLED! Almost an action replay of the first game. Starc to de Kock, length ball, batsman missing, stumps shattered. In the first game, de Kock swung across the line. In this case, he is squared up. A sensational nut from Starc. He lands it on a length around leg and Quinton looks to defend. But the ball lands and then seams away to beat the outside edge. The middle pole is out for an evening walk. Big blow to South Africa.
0.3
4
FOUR! First boundary of the chase! Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it through mid on for a boundary.
0.2
1
On a length on off, van der Dussen pushes it towards covers for a single and gets off the mark.
0.1
1
Starc starts with a full delivery on off, de Kock drives it towards covers where Wade makes a fine stop. The batsmen still manage to take a single.
We are back for the chase. The Australian players are out in the middle. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen will open the innings for South Africa. Mitchell Starc will start the proceedings for Australia.
Now than, 194 to seal the deal for South Africa! That is a mountain in front of the hosts but they do have an in-form Quinton de Kock and a batting lineup capable of chasing it down. However, Australia will feel that they have quality bowlers to defend this total too. Well, if South Africa can get to a decent start, we can be in for a terrific run chase. Join us for that in a short while.
The South African bowlers were in all sorts of trouble in the first 10 overs of the innings as Warner and Finch showed no mercy upon them. Shamsi though bowled really well amidst all the bowlers getting slaughtered. However, after the openers got dismissed, a few tight overs from Ngidi, Pretorius and Rabada pulled things back for the Proteas. All the bowlers who bowled picked up at least a wicket but only Shamsi was economical.
Well, after being put into bat, Warner and Finch hammered every South African bowler in the first 10 overs. They added 120 for the first wicket in 11.3 overs, reaching their respective half tons. They looked in supreme touch throughout the innings. However, once both the batters were dismissed, the run-scoring got affected as Wade and Marsh failed to time the ball well. Steven Smith's handy innings made sure Australia go to the break with momentum.
20 from the final over means that Australia finish the innings exactly the way they started. An excellent hand from Steven Smith in the end. 30 off the 15 balls that he faced have taken Australia to 193/5.
19.6
2
Short delivery on middle, Smith pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. 20 runs from the final over as AUSTRALIA FINISH WITH 193/5!
19.5
2
Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
19.4
6
SIX! Amazing shot! Anyone remember the 2017 IPL final? Well, that time he got out. Not in this case. Full delivery on off, Smith backs away a touch and lofts it nonchalantly over covers for a biggie!
19.3
2
On a length on middle, Smith plays a paddle sweep over the keeper towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.
19.2
2
DROPPED! But a difficult chance. Full delivery on middle, Smith looks to loft but gets a top edge. It goes towards mid-wicket where Heinrich Klaasen charges in from the deep and tries to take it but cannot quite get his hand to it. He gets only fingertips on that one. The batsmen pick up a couple.
19.1
6
SIX! That is huge! Great start to the over. Full delivery on middle, Smith lofts it over long on for a maximum.
Anrich Nortje to bowl the final over of the innings.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
2
1
2
1nb
Kagiso Rabada 42/1(4)
18.6
1
Slower and just around off, Smith pushes it to long off for a single.
18.5
1
Shortish and around off, Agar mistimes his pull towards mid on for a single.
Ashton Agar is in now.
18.4
W
OUT! Timber this time! And they are not referring it upstairs, so Rabada can celebrate. A slower one again, it is on a length and around off, Carey is way too early in his slog to miss out. The ball though does not miss out and lightens up the bails.
18.3
2
DROPPED! High full toss on middle, Carey looks to hammer it over deep mid-wicket but fails to time it well. Nortje from the deep comes ahead and tries to catch but spills it. Two taken.
18.2
1
On the pads, it is worked behind square leg for a run.
18.1
2
Full and outside off, Smith looks to launch it over extra cover but he miscues it high in the air towards deep cover. It lands in no man's land and a couple of runs are taken.
FREE HIT COMING UP!
18.1
1nb
NO BALL! Wow! That should have been a wicket but it is a Free Hit. What has Rabada done? Well, it is a big, big no ball. He bowls an excellent full ball on middle, Smith tries to flick but misses. The ball sneaks through the pads and demolishes the stumps. The South African players celebrate but the umpire go upstairs to check if Rabada has overstepped. He certainly has which is confirmed by the replays.
That is bowled! But hang on, is that a no ball? Here comes the replay. No, it is not a no ball. It is a massive massive overstepping. Crime, massive crime.
Kagisa Rabada is back. 3-0-34-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
2
Lungi Ngidi 33/1(4)
17.6
1
Yes, he can! Excellent over from him. Just 6 from the over. A short ball outside off, Smith punches it uppishly towards point. It falls short of the fielder. The batsmen take a run.
17.5
1
Full and around off, Carey strokes it towards long on for a run. Just 5 from the over so far. Can Ngidi finish it well?
17.4
1
Very full ball on middle, Smith can only dig it out to long on for a single.
17.3
.
Excellent bowling from Ngidi! A slower fuller ball just outside off, Smith, yes, Smith too fails to read as he is way too early in his attempted squeeze shot through the off side.
17.2
1
Down the leg side, Carey looks to flick but the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. No signal, so must have been an inside edge.
17.1
2
Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a couple.
In over# 1
1
3
0W
1
1
0
1wd
1wd
Dwaine Pretorius 42/1(4)
16.6
1
Length ball around off, Carey taps it towards point for a single. 8 and a wicket from the over.
16.5
3
Excellent effort from Klaasen! He has saved a valuable run for his side. Full and outside off, Smith drills it through covers. Klaasen from long off runs to his left and makes a brilliant diving stop. Three taken.
Alex Carey is the new man in.
16.4
W
OUT! Marsh falls! Short and outside off, Marsh is way early in his shot once again. There is hardly any pace on this one. Marsh ends up getting a top edge towards short third man. Shamsi does well to settle under the ball and does well to gobble it near his belly.
16.3
1
On the pads, Smith flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16.2
1
Shortish and around off, pushed to long on for a single.
16.1
.
Play and a miss again! This is excellent stuff from Pretorius and not so from Marsh. Pretorius is keeping it simple.
16.1
1wd
WIDE! Short and outside off, Marsh once again is way early in his shot to miss out. This one is a clear wide delivery and the umpire stretches his arms to show that.
16.1
1wd
WIDE! Swing and a miss! Length ball outside off, Marsh throws his willow at it but fails to make any connection. Wided by the umpire. That is another close call.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
0W
1
Lungi Ngidi 27/1(3)
15.6
1
Full and just outside off, Marsh strokes it to long off for a single. 6 and a wicket from the over.
15.5
.
NOT OUT! Missing the leg pole so Marsh stays! A full toss on the pads, Marsh looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. They appeal and the umpire raises the finger. He goes to Smith who suggests that it is sliding down the leg side and then Marsh opts for the review. The replays roll in. First it is front foot, Ngidi is fine. Will it hit the stumps? No, it is missing.
Marsh has been adjudged LBW! Smith though, feels it is sliding down the leg side. Marsh does not even wait for a second though. Takes the review. Looks close to the naked eye. No inside edge on the Ultra Edge. Here comes Ball Tracker. MISSING LEG STUMP!
15.4
.
Shortish and around off, pushed towards point.
15.3
4
FOUR! Slammed! Short and on middle, Marsh pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 150 up for Australia.
Steven Smith is the next batsman in.
15.2
W
OUT! That's an excellent take from de Kock. Taking these skiers are really tough and when one has to run back, it becomes even tough. A length ball around off, Wade looks to launch it over square leg but gets a top edge. The ball goes high in the air towards short fine leg. De Kock calls for the catch as he runs behind. The fine leg fielder is charging ahead too but de Kock makes sure he does not come in between. He settles under it but realizes the trajectory is a bit far from him. So, he stretches his arms and dives forward to pouch it nicely.
15.1
1
Landed around off on a length, Marsh strokes it to long on for a single.
Lungi Ngidi is back on. 2-0-21-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
6
0
1
1wd
0
1
1
Dwaine Pretorius 34/0(3)
14.6
6
SIX! Pretorius cannot finish the over well! Another shortish ball around middle, Wade reads the length early and tonks it over deep mid-wicket for a six.
14.5
.
WOW! Wade is a lucky man! A bouncer on middle, Wade looks to pull but misses. It hits the body and then hits the back of the bat. It somehow does not hit the stumps. The batters think of the run but de Kock and the bowler come charging in to pick the ball so Wade returns.
14.4
1
Length ball around off, Marsh pushes it through covers for a single.
14.4
1wd
WIDE! Down the leg side, Marsh moves to the off side and swings hard to tonk it over deep square leg but misses out. Wided by the umpire and Pretorius is not happy as he covers his face with both hands. That was a harsh, harsh call.
14.3
.
Excellent change in pace from Pretorius. It is on a length and outside off, Marsh is early in his cut to miss out.
14.2
1
Shortish and on middle, Wade pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.1
1
Short and outside off, Marsh strokes it through covers for a single.
Dwaine Pretorius returns! 2-0-24-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
6
2
0
1
0
Kagiso Rabada 34/0(3)
13.6
1
Full toss on off, Marsh strokes it to long on for a single.
13.5
6
SIX! BANG! Shortish and around off, Marsh nails the pull and sends it sailing over deep square leg for a huge six.
13.4
2
Full and on middle, Marsh flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple of easy runs. A diving attempt from mid-wicket but he fails to get to the ball.
13.3
.
Slightly fuller and around off, Marsh pushes it to the left of the bowler for nothing.
13.2
1
Full and just outside off, Wade strokes it over cover for a run.
13.1
.
Full and around off, pushed to covers.
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 2-0-24-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1
0
1lb
Tabraiz Shamsi 25/1(4)
12.6
1
A single to finish but that was a very expansive shot! Full and just around off, Wade reverse sweeps it towards short third man for a single. End of an excellent over and spell from Shamsi. 25/1 in his 4 overs, amidst all the hammering. Excellent!
12.5
1
Flighted fuller ball just outside off, Marsh pushes it through mid off for a single.
Mitchell Marsh walks in amidst another scenario where wickets have fallen quickly.
12.4
W
OUT! LBW! Tabraiz Shamsi gets his first. That is a dead duck. Flighted delivery on middle, Finch gets across and looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Finch does not even bother to review. Yet again, Australia lose two set batsmen back to back.
12.3
1
Floated delivery on off, Wade punches it towards covers for a run.
12.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Wade defends it off the back foot.
12.1
1lb
Tossed up delivery on leg, Finch looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0W
0
1
Anrich Nortje 26/1(3)
11.6
1
Short and on the body, Finch pulls it to fine leg for a single. Just 2 runs and a wicket from the over.
11.5
.
Play and a miss and another dot! This is good stuff from Nortje. A length ball just outside off, Finch tries to drive but misses.
11.4
.
Another dot! A length ball around off, Finch pushes it towards point.
Matthew Wade is the new batsman in.
11.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa finally have a wicket. Good change ups from Nortje has fetched him a wicket. A bouncer this time, it is just outside off, Warner looks to drag it via a pull to send it over the fence on the leg side. But all he manages is a top edge and the ball goes high in the air at mid-wicket. Miller comes under the ball and pouches it with a tumble. A fine innings from Warner comes to an end.
11.2
.
Swing and a miss! That wasn't too far away from the timber! A length ball around off, Warner moves away and swings hard but misses.
11.1
1
Short and outside off, Finch punches it towards covers for a single.
Anrich Nortje is back on. 2-0-24-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1lb
1
2
1
Tabraiz Shamsi 22/0(3)
10.6
.
Another dot! Shortish and around off, Warner pushes it towards point. Just 5 from this over, a good one from Shamsi.
10.5
.
Full and outside off, Warner strokes it firmly towards cover. Van Biljon dives to his right to make an excellent stop.
10.4
1lb
Quicker one on the pads, Finch tries to pull but misses. It rolls towards short fine leg off his pads for a run.
10.3
1
Uppish but past the diving fielder at mid-wicket. It is a full ball on the pads, Warner flicks it powerfully past the fielder. A single taken.
10.2
2
Slightly short and outside off, Warner punches it past the diving cover fielder. It goes wide of the deep cover fielder and a couple of more runs are taken.
10.1
1
Flatter and on the pads, Finch works it towards deep mid-wicket for an easy run.
In over# 1
1
1
6
1
2
1
Dwaine Pretorius 24/0(2)
9.6
1
Length ball around off, Finch pushes it towards cover for a run. 114/0 at the halfway mark.
9.5
1
Short and outside off, Warner cuts it to deep point for a single.
9.4
6
SIX! That has been send into the night sky by Warner to reach to his half century, his 17th in T20Is. This is some way to get to his landmark. A length ball on the pads, Warner picks the length early and slams it over deep square leg for a humongous six.
9.3
1
Very slower ball around off, 104.0 kph to be precise, pushed to point for a single.
9.2
2
50 up for the Australian skipper. His 12th T20I half ton. Length ball angled into the batter, Finch flicks it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. The call was for two and the two batters were brilliant in completing the runs.
9.1
1
Good length ball around off, Warner pushes it to deep point for a single.
Dwaine Pretorius returns. 1-0-12-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
2
1
1
4
0
Tabraiz Shamsi 18/0(2)
8.6
1
Full and around off, pushed to covers for a single.
8.5
2
In the air but safe. And, a couple of runs for Warner and Australia that brings up the 100-run stand between the two. Flatter just outside off, Warner looks to loft it over deep cover but mistimes. It goes high in the air but lands between two fielders. A couple of runs.
8.4
1
Seeing Finch coming down the track, Shamsi bowls it slightly shorter on the pads, Finch does well to push it towards the leg side for a single.
8.3
1
Full and outside off, Warner strokes it towards long off for a single.
8.2
4
FOUR! Hammered straight down the ground! Shamsi bowls a full ball on middle and leg, Warner skips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and hammers it towards the long on fence.
8.1
.
Goes for the reverse sweep but fails to connect. Shamsi floats this quicker and just outside off.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1wd
2
1
1wd
1
Lungi Ngidi 21/0(2)
7.6
1
Full toss on the pads, Warner flicks it to deep square leg for a run. He'll feel he missed out on a chance there.
7.5
1
Full and on the pads, Finch flicks it towards long on for a single.
7.4
1
Full and on the pads, Warner strokes it to long on for a run.
7.4
1wd
WIDE! Tries for another slower one but this time the line is not right again. Warner lets it be. De Kock behind the wicket fumbles a bit but no runs taken. Wided by the umpire.
7.3
2
Feeds a full ball on the pads, Warner flicks it to fine leg and the deep square leg fielder comes across to cut it off. A couple taken.
7.2
1
Good length around off, Finch looks to push it towards the off side but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards mid-wicket for a run. That was an off cutter from Ngidi.
7.2
1wd
WIDE! Ngidi misses the line and bowls this back of a length ball down the leg side. Finch looks to pull but misses. The umpire stretches his arm to signal it wide.
7.1
1
Length ball on middle, Warner pushes it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
Change of ends for Lungi Ngidi. 1-0-12-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
2
0
4
1
Tabraiz Shamsi 9/0(1)
6.6
1
Full and on middle, Warner strokes it to long on for a run. 9 off the first over from a spinner.
6.5
1
Floated on middle, Finch nudges it towards deep square leg and gets to the other end.
6.4
2
A couple now! Full and on middle, Finch flicks it towards deep mid-wicket where Miller fumbles and allows an extra.
6.3
.
Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
6.2
4
FOUR! Poor from Shamsi and he gets the treatment. Short and down the leg side, Finch is not going to miss out. He powerfully whacks it to the deep square leg fence.
6.1
1
Flighted fuller ball outside off, Warner drills it through covers. Miller at long off moves to his right and does well to make a diving stop. Just a run.
Tabraiz Shamsi is on now! Can he stop the bleeding?
In over# 1
2
1
0
1
1wd
1
6
Dwaine Pretorius 12/0(1)
5.6
2
Quick couple! Excellent running between the wickets. A length ball around off, Finch just works it towards deep mid-wicket with gentle hands. They call for a couple and complete it quickly. 75/0 at the end of the Powerplay. Australia are going really strong.
5.5
1
Shortish and just outside off, Warner looks to pull but the ball takes the bottom edge of the bat and goes towards short fine leg. A quick run taken.
5.4
.
Swing and a miss! A fuller ball around off, it is an off cutter, Warner is early in his swing to miss out.
5.3
1
Length ball around off, Finch tucks it behind square leg for a run.
5.3
1wd
WIDE! Sprays down the leg side this time. Finch lets it be. Wided by the umpire.
5.2
1
Length ball around off, Warner taps it towards point for a quick run.
5.1
6
SIX! Welcome into the attack, Mr. Pretorius, says David Warner. This is some hammering from the Aussie openers. Dwaine starts with a shortish length ball around off, Warner moves inside the crease and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a massive biggie.
Dwaine Pretorius is on now.
In over# 1
1
1
1lb
1wd
1
4
4
Lungi Ngidi 12/0(1)
4.6
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Warner pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and calls for a couple but Klaasen gets to the ball quickly and releases a sharp throw. Seeing that, the batters settle for a run.
4.5
1
Good length ball around off, Finch works it towards deep mid-wicket for an easy run.
4.4
1lb
On the pads again, Warner looks to pull but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards short fine leg and they take a leg bye.
4.4
1wd
WIDE! Down the leg side! Warner goes for the pull but misses. Wided by the umpire.
4.3
1
Finally, a single and not a boundary. Full and on middle, Finch flicks it wide of mid on and takes a run.
4.2
4
FOUR! This is some exhibition from Australia. All class this one. Slightly fuller and around off, Finch lofts it over extra cover for another boundary. 5 in a row now.
4.1
4
FOUR! Make that 4 boundaries in a row! Ngidi starts with a slightly shorter ball just outside off, Finch taps it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.
Lungi Ngidi is on.
In over# 1
4
4
4
1
4
1
Anrich Nortje 24/0(2)
3.6
4
FOUR! Three in a row! Poor from Nortje. He bowls a slightly shorter ball on middle, Warner gets in position and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 50 up for Australia in quick time.
3.5
4
FOUR! Up and over now! This is excellent batting from Warner. An off cutter from Nortje, Warner picks that early and lofts it over the bowler for another boundary.
3.4
4
FOUR! Slammed away! Full and just outside off from Nortje, Warner moves to the leg side and makes room. Then he reaches out and slices it over point for a boundary.
3.3
1
Good length ball angled into Finch, he looks to flick but the ball takes the outer half of the bat and rolls towards point for a run.
3.2
4
FOUR! Poor line and punished! Short and down the leg side. Finch pulls it to fine leg fence to earn another boundary.
3.1
1
Another quick run and another fumble from South Africa fielder. Shortish and around off, pushed towards point for a run.
In over# 1
1
4
1
6
4
1
Kagiso Rabada 24/0(2)
2.6
1
Length ball around off, Warner taps it towards point and takes a quick run. 17 from this over of Rabada.
2.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Short and outside off, Warner throws his bat at it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies over short third man and races away to the fence.
2.4
1
Shortish and around off, Finch pushes it towards long on for a quick run as Ngidi now fails to pick the ball in one go.
2.3
6
SIX! This is from the middle of the bat. Full and in the hitting arc of Finch, he nonchalantly lofts it over long on for a biggie.
2.2
4
FOUR! Poor effort by Nortje. A length ball on the pads, Finch glances it towards short fine leg where Nortje is late in getting down to field. It goes behind and then races away to the fence.
2.1
1
Overthrows! A back of a length ball on middle, Warner mistimes his pull towards mid-wicket. Miller picks the ball and fires the throw at the non-striker's end. There was no need of the throw first of all. And then to make things worse, Pretorius fumbles at short extra cover and they sneak a run. Du Plessis collects the ball and throws but misses at the non-striker's end.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
1
3
Anrich Nortje 6/0(1)
1.6
.
Length ball on the pads, Finch once again fails to connect his flick and gets hit on the pads. 6 from Nortje's first, slightly better than Rabada.
1.5
1
Slightly short and just outside off, Warner taps it towards point. van Biljon there fumbles and allows a run.
1.4
1
Angled into the batter on a length, Finch does well to push it towards mid on for a quick single. There is a direct hit by the fielder at the non-striker's end but Finch was well in.
1.3
.
Landed around off on a length, Finch looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and rolls past the stumps.
1.2
1
On the pads, Warner flicks it towards deep square leg for a run.
1.1
3
Good effort from Faf du Plessis! Full and around off to start with from Nortje, Finch mistimes his lofted shot over mid off but he does well to clear the fielder. Faf du Plessis chases it down and makes a diving stop. The umpire goes upstairs to check and the replays roll and show that it is a very good effort from him to save a run for his side.
Anrich Nortje to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2lb
4
1wd
1
Kagiso Rabada 7/0(1)
0.6
.
Good length ball on the pads, Warner looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. 9 from the first over, good start for Australia.
0.5
1
Quick run! Shortish and around off, Finch taps it towards cover and takes off for a run. Klaasen collects the ball quickly and throws at the striker's end but misses. Replays roll in and show that it wouldn't have mattered had he hit.
0.4
.
Length ball around off, Finch keeps it out.
0.3
2lb
A quick couple now! Fuller and around middle and leg, this time Finch looks to flick on the leg side but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes wide of mid-wicket. They take a couple of leg byes.
0.2
4
FOUR! That is some way to get off the mark. Rabada overpitches this well outside off, Finch leans into the drive and slams it through the cover region to bag the first boundary of the innings.
0.2
1wd
WIDE! Rabada misses the line this time as the right-hander comes on strike. Finch tries flicking but misses.
0.1
1
Rabada starts with a length ball on the pads, Warner looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards point and they cross for a run. That looked to be hit on the pads but the umpire thinks there was some runs. So, Warner is underway!
We are all set to begin. The South African players are out in the middle. David Warner and Aaron Finch, the two Australian openers, walk out to the middle to open the innings. Kagiso Rabada with the ball first up. 1 slip in place. Here we go...
Aaron Finch, the Australian skipper, says that de Kock is a valuable wicket at the top. Tells that they were going to bat first anyway. Feels that the wicket is a bit drier than they thought. On their last win, Finch feels that they were almost there but reckons that the South African bowlers used slower ones well. Adds that they lost quick wickets and that cost them the game. Mentions that this ground is a beautiful one. Finishes by saying that they are unchanged.
Quinton de Kock, the South African skipper, feels that it will work better under the lights despite it being quite a dry wicket. On his win in the 2nd T20I, de Kock says that they are very confident after that win. Tells that Reeza Hendricks has been replaced by Heinrich Klaasen and says that he will bat somewhere in the middle as Rassie van der Dussen will partner him at the top.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (C AND WK), Heinrich Klaasen (In for Reeza Hendricks), Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Pite van Biljon, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of South Africa. THEY WILL BOWL FIRST.
Australia landed first punch in Johannesburg in the 1st T20I. Then, South Africa held their nerves in the second game to level the series at Port Elizabeth. Now, both the sides have arrived at Newlands for the final game of the series. Last time Australia were here, the encounter was more remembered for the ball-tampering saga than South Africa's thumping victory in the Test match. Anyway, both the sides have come a long way from the incident. Now, in this final frontier, before the ODIs begin, both the teams will look to lift the trophy and enter that series with a momentum. A T20I series win ahead of the T20I World Cup later in the year will be a big boost too. Let's see who comes out on top. Toss and team updates in a while.
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