South Africa vs Australia – 1st T20 International Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS
When is South Africa vs Australia on and what time does it start? South Africa vs Australia will take place on Wednesday 30th August, 2023 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is South Africa vs Australia taking place? South Africa vs Australia will take place at Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa
Where can I get tickets for South Africa vs Australia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for South Africa vs Australia
What channel is South Africa vs Australia on in the UK? South Africa vs Australia will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream South Africa vs Australia in the UK? South Africa vs Australia can be streamed live on the BT Sport app
THE LOWDOWN
SOUTH AFRICA
There are some serious issues ongoing in South African cricket and the news that they will send a very below par Test team to New Zealand because the series clashes with the SA20 is just yet another depressing tale. Despite that, though, they are one of the stronger looking T20I sides in world cricket with a batting lineup that boasts Quinton de Kock and David Miller supporting a bowling attack of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen. However, with the priority being the upcoming ODI World Cup, de Kock, Nortje and Rabada have all been rested, as well as there being no Wayne Parnell, Heinrich Klaasen or Dewald Brevis.
AUSTRALIA
Australia won the T20 World Cup in 2021 in the United Arab Emirates but many, even Australians, will describe that as a bit of a bizarre tournament victory and they were surprise winners. Mitchell Marsh is embarking upon his first series as the new white-ball captain of Australia but he will be without the likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Dave Warner, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins for the T20 series as Australia also prioritise the World Cup.
THE PREDICTION
Despite conditions not often being a major factor in white-ball cricket, albeit especially in late night T20 games in certain parts of the world there is a major dew affect on the ball, home advantage in bilateral series’ has often either been important through sheer randomness or for a specific reason. South Africa have majorly shifted their attention to T20 cricket in recent years and, despite a depleted squad with lots of rotation, they are the favourites for this opening match, especially in Durban. However, expect a high-scoring affair with 200+ playing 200+ as is often the way at Kingsmead.