Australia will start their white-ball South African tour with the T20Is and the first of those matches will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday.

While the hosts are getting to terms with their life under new captain Quinton de Kock, Australia will be looking to finalise their plans for the T20I World Cup.

South Africa are coming from a 2-1 series loss to England that posed them more questions than answers, although the improvement in form is positive news. Australia haven’t played this format since November 2019 and are coming off a 2-1 ODI series loss in India.

Prediction

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Match Preview

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The Proteas were led in the England series – quite literally – by their captain Quinton de Kock’s batting (131 runs, SR 214.75). His partner-in-crime Temba Bavuma will be missed at the top for the first match, but the return of Faf du Plessis strengthens their core batting.

With the ball, it was Lungi Ngidi (eight wickets, ER 11.08) who made sure that the wickets are always around the corner. The return of Kagiso Rabada is even better news for an attack that is finding its balance.

Australia had a successful ODI tour to India, although the end result didn’t go in their favour. David Warner and Steve Smith will be getting back to action in South Africa for the first time since the ‘Sandpaper gate’.

With Mitchell Marsh added to the squad after a successful Big Bash, Australia look to have covered all bases. The bowling looks stronger with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood adding the numbers. The presence of leg-spinner Adam Zampa makes them look even more formidable.

Match Up

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South Africa looked a rejuvenated squad against England, at least in the T20Is. They ran England close in all three matches, and the result could easily have been 2-1 in their favour. Nevertheless, the form of Quinton de Kock and Ngidi gives them a strong base to build upon. Australia will be a bit rusty considering they haven’t been playing this format. However, most of the squad members have played the Big Bash and should fancy their chances of settling in quickly. Either way, this match should witness strong hits from both the teams, so the maximums should be flying.

History & Statistics

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• South Africa have lost four of their last five T20Is against Australia at home.
  The last seven H2H T20Is in South Africa have been won by the chasing side.
  Australia have won seven of the last ten T20Is against South Africa.
  The chasing side has won 11 of the last 12 completed H2H T20Is.Australia have lost four of the five T20Is they played at the Wanderers.

Key Players

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Quinton de Kock averages 34.25 in nine T20Is against Australia and has five 40+ scores against them. Add to that, his scores in the last five T20Is read 51, 79*, 31, 65 and 35.

David Warner needs 50 more runs to become the highest run-getter in T20Is between South Africa and Australia. The Aussie opener has scores of 100*, 60*, 57*, 2*, 20 and 48* in his last six T20Is.