South Africa v Australia 2nd T20 Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

Australia's 107-run victory over South Africa in the 1st T20 on Friday gives them the chance to wrap up the series when they meet on Sunday in Port Elizabeth.

Captain Aaron Finch and Steve Smith led the way with the bat as Australia posted 196/6 before dismissing South Africa for just 89 as Ashton Agar produced some sparkle with the ball, taking 5-24 including a hat-trick.

Will it be more of the same in Port Elizabeth from an Australia side riding high on confidence? Or can South Africa bounce back and keep the series alive?

Prediction

Match Preview

Carrying on their form from the ODI series in India, Finch (42) and Smith (45) helped Australia post what appeared a tough total to chase down. Alex Carey’s 27 and Ashton Agar’s 20 not out from just nine balls helped reached that competitive 196/6.

Agar then starred with the ball for his five-wicket haul, while fellow spinner Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were also among the wickets as the Proteas were dismissed for a sorry 89.

The first of Agar’s victims was Faf Du Plessis, who top scored with 24 for South Africa. Only Pite van Biljon (16) and Kagibo Rabada (22) made double figures in the shambles for the Proteas.

Match Up

South Africa will need to have a long hard look at their batting ahead of Port Elizabeth as the pressure of chasing down 197 saw them come unstuck in a big way. More will be needed from the hosts with the ball too, particularly Rabada who went for 45 in three overs. On the evidence of what we saw in the opening game, this Australian side has serious momentum and will take some stopping once again with options galore with both bat and ball.

David Warner missed out when scoring just four on what his first appearance in South Africa since sandpaper-gate but he was in stellar form prior to that disappointment. Back the opener to get back among the runs on Sunday.