Australia vs South Africa, T20Is: Presenting key player battles
What's the story
Australia and South Africa are set to clash in a thrilling three-match T20I series, starting August 10. The matches will be held in Darwin and Cairns, marking Australia's first visit to the Northern Territory in 17 years. The last time these two teams faced off in a T20I series was in 2023, when Australia swept South Africa 3-0. On this note, let's look at the key player battles that can be on display in the series.
#1
Travis Head vs Kagiso Rabada
Australian dasher Travis Head and South African speedster Kagiso Rabada are certain to tackle each other as they open the proceedings in their respective departments. Head, who is known for his attacking batting, has a T20 powerplay strike rate of 182.07 since the start of 2024, as per ESPNcricinfo. Meanwhile, Rabada has claimed 13 wickets in his last nine T20Is at an economy of 6.29.
#2
Mitchell Marsh vs Lungi Ngidi
Skipper Mitchell Marsh will have the onus to lead Australia from the front. Rabada's partner-in-crime Lungi Ngidi can challenge him early on. The pacer has dismissed Marsh twice across their six meetings in T20 cricket. However, the batter has a batting average and strike rate of 37.26 and 158.38 in T20s this year. Ngidi averages 14.66 with the ball in T20Is in Australia, having claimed nine wickets.
#3
Aiden Markram vs Adam Zampa
Marsh's opposite number Aiden Markram might have to deal with talismanic wrist-spinner Adam Zampa. The latter has troubled the best of batters in the past, and hence, Markram must tackle him with precision. The SA skipper has fallen prey to leg-spinners 24 times across 70 T20 innings. He has smashed Zampa for 28 runs in T20 cricket without being dismissed (SR: 147.36).
#4
Dewald Brevis vs Josh Hazlewood
Dewald Brevis finished the recent T20I tri-series, also involving New Zealand and Zimbabwe, with 133 runs at a stunning strike rate of 187.32. He will be challenged by star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is known for his accuracy across phases. Notably, Hazlewood has claimed 22 T20 wickets in 2025 at an average of 17.54. The batter has an average and strike rate of 38.80 and 182.73, respectively, in T20 cricket this year.