Twitter Reactions: South Africa dominate the 10-over contest at Carrara Oval against Australia

After losing the three-match ODI series, Australia locked horns against South Africa in the one-off T20I at the Carrara Oval in Queensland. They were hoping for change in fortunes with the format. But the hosts’ fate didn’t change as the tourists showed thorough professionalism even in the rain-curtailed 10-over contest to end the tour on a high. They won the game comfortably by 21 runs and the margin was only reduced due to late fireworks by Glenn Maxwell.

After opting to field first, Australia never looked up for the game. Quinton de Kock attacked from the word go and churned out 15 runs off the first over bowled by Jason Behrendorff. His partner Reeza Hendricks also had some fun in the middle and smashed 19 off just seven deliveries before being snaffled by Nathan Coulter-Nile. Even De Kock could get going after the powerplay and his innings was cut-short on 22.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper, played some delightful strokes during his 27-run stay off just 15 balls with four boundaries to his name. At one stage, it looked like South Africa will reach 120-125 the way they had started. But the home side, to their credit, came back well in the second half of the innings to restrict them to 108/6 after 10 overs.

Andrew Tye and Coulter-Nile bowled impeccable two overs in the end and only conceded 10 runs which helped the team claw their way back.

Maxwell – The lone fighter

The chase was tough but not impossible for the Aussies. But their top three couldn’t handle the heat once again and lost wickets in heap. Much to their frustration, everytime the batsmen hit the ball in the air, it went straight into the hands of the fielder even in the powerplay. Chris Morris, making a comeback, delivered a telling blow with a searing yorker to send back Chris Lynn.

However, Glenn Maxwell’s arrival to the crease brought some interest in the game. But the bowling attack was too good even for a player like him and despite his 22-ball 38 Australia fell well short of the target. Australia ended at 87/7 after 10 overs and failed to gain any confidence ahead of the series against India which commences on November 21.

Here’s how Twitter reacted during the game:

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