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AUS vs SA 1st T20I: Tim David's match-winning knock of 83 runs off 52 balls and Josh Hazlewood's three-for helped Australia defeat South Africa by 17 runs during the series opener in Darwin. This victory increased Australia's T20I winning streak to nine matches and helped them lead the ongoing three-match series by 1-0.

While batting first, the visitors had a shaky start as they lost three quick wickets after scoring just 30 runs inside the powerplay. Cameron Green scored a quickfire knock of 35 runs, but it was Tim David who helped them post a respectable target. During his knock, he had smashed four fours and eight sixes and helped the team post a target of 178 runs after they were tottering at 75/6. Kwena Maphaka was the pick among the South African bowlers as he registered brilliant figures of 4/20, whereas Kagiso Rabada took two wickets.

While chasing a target of 179 runs, the host had a flying start as skipper Aiden Markram had smashed three fours, but then was dismissed. Ryan Rickleton scored a gritty knock of 71 runs off 55 balls and stitched a brilliant partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who had scored 37 runs off 27 balls. Hazlewood then took two wickets during the 15th over and turned the tide of the match in their favour.

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Ben Dwarshius too bowled brilliantly as he registered match-winning figures of 3/26, and Adam Zampa took two wickets apiece and rattled South Africa's lower batting order. The host went from 120/3 to 161/9 as they had lost six wickets and could score just 41 runs.

Tim David was adjudged the Player of the match for his match-winning knock. Hazlewood's brilliant bowling towards the end, as he gave away 27 runs in the four overs that he had bowled, played a huge role in helping them win the match.

The second match would be held on Tuesday at the same venue, where the host will aim to bounce back to stay alive in the series.

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Brief Scores

Australia: 178 all out in 20 overs. Tim David (83), Cameron Green (35); Kwena Mapakha (4/20)

South Africa: 161/9 in 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton (71), Tristan Stubbs (37); Ben Dwarshuis (3/26), Josh Hazlewood (3/27)

Result: Australia beat South Africa by 17 runs.