Australia vs South Africa Match Prediction, 2nd T20I – Who will win today’s match between AUS vs SA?

Australia (AUS) will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series when they take on South Africa (SA) in the second T20I at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Tuesday, August 12.

The Aussies won the first T20I by 17 runs at the same venue. Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field first. Australia went hammer and tongs from the beginning of the match, and they continued with that approach even after losing wickets in almost every other over. Tim David played a brilliant knock of 83 runs off 52 balls to help Australia recover from 75/6 and get to 178. Kwena Maphaka was the best bowler on show for the Proteas as he bagged a four-for.

In reply, South Africa lost the wicket of their captain in the first over. The young duo of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis faltered. However, Tristan Stubbs forged a defiant 72-run stand off 52 balls with Ryan Rickelton. However, once Stubbs was dismissed for 37 (27), South Africa's lower-order crumbled under pressure. Rickelton carried the hopes of the tourists, but he was eventually dismissed for a 55-ball 71 in the final over.

South Africa let themselves down with their fielding, as Stubbs and Brevis gave reprieves to David. They will have to lift themselves and come out with a better performance in the second T20I if they are to keep the series alive.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Pitch Report

The pitch for the first T20I was a bit two-paced. Some deliveries stuck to the surface and caused difficulties for batters. However, batters who gave themselves a bit of time at the crease didn't have problems in going after the bowlers later on. The same drop-in pitch is expected to host the second T20I and it won't change too much from the first game.

AUS vs SA Head to Head in T20Is

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XIs

Australia (AUS):

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa (SA):

Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (WK), Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.

Probable Top Performers

Probable Best Batter: Tim David

Tim David has been in sensational form in T20 cricket this year. After having a spectacular season with the bat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, the right-handed batter has continued his stellar form on the international stage. He slammed 132 runs in two innings against the West Indies at a strike rate of 269.39 last month and carried that form into the first T20I against South Africa. David smashed 83 off just 52 balls and single-handedly took his team to a competitive total.

Probable Best Bowler: Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood has an exemplary knack for picking up wickets at important stages of matches. He had a field day with the ball in the first T20I. The right-arm pacer bagged three wickets, giving away just 27 runs in his four overs. Hazlewood will hold the key once again for Australia inside the powerplay as he can be lethal with the new ball.

Today's Match Prediction: Australia to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.