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:

Even though we lost, last night was fun!! We’ll be back fighting again tomorrow. Then, good start in Brisbane by @OfficialCSA , good composure by the bowlers will pull us through. Not enough talk about Maxwell’s catch, one of the best I’ve ever seen! He makes it look too easy

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 17, 2018

Proper bowling here! @NgidiLungi and @KagisoRabada25 setting the trend, and then @Tipo_Morris at his best again is so good to watch! Go on boys

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 17, 2018

Shane Warnes commentary be like:

Even though Australia need 500 off the last 2 balls, you’ve got a classy batsman like Maxwell there so there’s a chance

— ProteaFire 🇿🇦🔥 (@billz_25) November 17, 2018

12,866 at Metricon tonight…#AusvRSA

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) November 17, 2018

Shane Warne used to bowl spells longer than this so-called cricket match.#ausvrsa

— Greg Baum (@GregBaum) November 17, 2018

Got to feel sorry for Andrew Symonds. Reduced to shopping at Best and Less. #AUSvRSA #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/7ryCSf0BV5

— Doctor Fiveball (@DoctorFiveball) November 17, 2018

The best thing about this coverage is that Andrew Symonds outfit is from Lowes #AUSvRSA

— andie (@anndeejam) November 17, 2018

What a catch @Gmaxi_32 !!! #AUSvRSA

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) November 17, 2018

What a spell from Chris Morris, game changer #AUSvRSA

— Kabelo Khaas (@Kabelokhaas) November 17, 2018

Painful watch this Australian cricket team.#AUSvRSA

— Sam Phillips (@samphillips06) November 17, 2018

Australian cricket is officially at a low point when we can’t pick a bloke who looks like my butcher #AUSvRSA @cricketcomau @Former_legend @curnwah158 #FoxCricket @FOXCricketLive pic.twitter.com/lqKg5vnpfi

— Charlie (@Charlie_APWS) November 17, 2018

Warne going after Graeme Hick because their batsmen are useless.

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 17, 2018

Lol – Graeme Hick the escapegoat now…. #AusvSA

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) November 17, 2018

On a miserable night with torrential rain, a crowd of 12,866 still turned up for the first ever international at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/KPZqeySe0M

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 17, 2018

There you go. Well done Maxi.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) November 17, 2018

Andrew Symonds what a legend! #Maverick

— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) November 17, 2018

I know it’s T20 cricket but can we get our batsmen to stand still and keep it simple.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) November 17, 2018

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