South Africa fought back at the death in Port Elizabeth for force the series into a decider which will be played in Cape Town.
The Proteas were trounced in match one of the T20I series but showed great character to earn a final over win over the tourists.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Third T20I | Wednesday 26 February 2020 | Newlands, Cape Town | 18:00
To Win
South Africa 31/20
Tie 35/1
Australia 52/100
South Africa
While the batting performance improved at St George’s Park the Proteas have a lot of work to do to sort out their top order for the T20 World Cup.
Reeza Hendricks was more comfortable opening the batting than Rassie van der Dussen in the series opener but didn’t set the world alight with his performance. It is unclear if Temba Bavuma will be risked for the match, and if he is not fit, Hendricks should open alongside skipper Quinton de Kock.
De Kock is the Proteas key man as he has been all summer long, once again proving his worth in PE after falling early in the series opener at the Wanderers.
The bowlers came through at St George’s Park, backing their death bowling skills and getting the job done. The attack certainly looks better when Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are leading it but Tabraiz Shamsi has been consistently good against England and Australia.
Australia
The tourists have a very powerful top three but a suspect middle order with Matthew Wade yet to make a significant impact on the series.
David Warner has been in fine form and skipper Aaron Finch and Steve Smith are all wickets the Proteas will prize. Australia will be eager for one of the three to bat through the innings.
Ashton Agar has been brilliant with the ball and put in a notable cameo with the bat at the Wanderers, but Australia not only has a dicey middle-order they also sport a long tail.
In six T20Is at Newlands, Australia have suffered defeat just once, that loss came in the very first match played in the format at then ground and the opponents were Zimbabwe.
Verdict: Australia 52/100
The Proteas have been good in patches but Australia should have the quality to see them off.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
