🏏 Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025 – Full Match Report
The Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025 at Johannesburg delivered high-octane cricket as Tim David’s blistering 83 runs off 52 balls powered Australia to a 17-run win, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
The match saw outstanding batting from David and Cameron Green, coupled with disciplined bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis, while Ryan Rickelton’s fighting 71 kept South Africa in the chase until the final overs.
🔥 Australia’s Explosive Batting Performance
Australia, batting first, posted 178 runs in 20 overs at a run rate of 8.90.
- Tim David played the innings of the match, smashing 8 sixes and 4 boundaries with a strike rate of 159.61.
- Cameron Green provided the early fireworks, scoring 35 off 13 balls at a staggering strike rate of 269.23.
- Early wickets of Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis put pressure on the Aussies, but David’s counterattack turned the game.
Kwena Maphaka was the pick of South Africa’s bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for just 20 runs in his 4 overs with an economy rate of 5.00. Kagiso Rabada also bowled well, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs.
🏹 South Africa’s Chase – Rickelton’s Lone Battle
Chasing 179, South Africa started aggressively but lost wickets at crucial intervals.
- Aiden Markram scored 12 off 6 before falling to Hazlewood.
- Ryan Rickelton anchored the innings with a classy 71 off 55 balls (7 fours, 1 six), keeping the Proteas in the hunt.
- Tristan Stubbs added 37 off 27 balls but the middle and lower order collapsed under scoreboard pressure.
Australian bowlers were clinical:
- Josh Hazlewood: 4 overs, 27 runs, 3 wickets
- Ben Dwarshuis: 4 overs, 26 runs, 3 wickets
- Adam Zampa: 4 overs, 33 runs, 2 wickets
South Africa finished at 161/9 in 20 overs, falling short by 17 runs.
📊 Key Match Stats – Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025
- Highest Run Scorer: Tim David – 83 (52)
- Best Strike Rate: Cameron Green – 269.23 (35 off 13)
- Best Bowling Figures: Kwena Maphaka – 4/20
- Most Sixes: Tim David – 8 sixes
- Partnership of the Match: Tim David & Ben Dwarshuis – 61 runs for the 7th wicket
📍 Turning Points of the Match
- Tim David’s 8 Sixes: Shifted momentum entirely towards Australia after early wickets.
- Maphaka’s 4-Wicket Burst: Kept South Africa in the game during Australia’s innings.
- Hazlewood’s Double Strike: Removing Markram and Stubbs sealed South Africa’s fate.
🌦 Weather & Pitch Report
The weather in Johannesburg was clear, with perfect conditions for cricket. The pitch offered early bounce for fast bowlers but became ideal for stroke-making as the innings progressed. Spinners found little turn, but pacers who used slower balls were effective.
Toss Decision Insight: On this surface, batting first proved to be the right call as the pitch slowed down in the second innings, making big shots harder to execute.
📢 What’s Next?
The second T20I between Australia and South Africa will be a must-win for the Proteas to keep the series alive. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to seal the series with another strong performance.
❓ FAQs – Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025
❓ Who was the Player of the Match in Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025?
✅ Tim David for his explosive 83 off 52 balls.❓ Who took the most wickets in the match?
✅ Kwena Maphaka (4/20) for South Africa.❓ What was the final score of the 1st T20I?
✅ Australia – 178/10 (20 overs), South Africa – 161/9 (20 overs).❓ Who is leading the T20I series now?
✅ Australia leads the 3-match series 1-0.❓ Where was the match played?
✅ The match took place at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.🏁 Final Thoughts
The Australia vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025 was a thrilling contest showcasing power-hitting, smart bowling, and high-intensity cricket. Tim David’s heroics with the bat and Hazlewood’s precision bowling proved to be the difference.
South Africa will need to address their middle-order collapse if they want to level the series in the second game. For Australia, this win boosts confidence as they build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup 2025.