South Africa vs Australia 2nd T20I, Port Elizabeth: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Australia commenced their tour of South Africa with a comprehensive 107-run win in the first T20I of the 3-match series, at Johannesburg. The hosts now have just two days to recover from the humiliation and draw level in the second T20I, at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth.

Dale Steyn (4-0-31-2) struck with the second ball of the series after South Africa opted to bowl. However, Aaron Finch (42 in 27 balls) and Steven Smith (45 in 32) added 84 in 48 balls to lay a solid platform. Tabraiz Shamsi (4-0-31-2) then struck twice, but aggressive batting from the middle order helped Australia put up 196/6.

Mitchell Starc then produced a peach to clean bowl Quinton de Kock with the third ball. Pat Cummins (2-0-13-2) and Adam Zampa (2.3-0-9-2) then reduced South Africa to 40/4 before Ashton Agar (4-0-24-5) sealed the match with a hat-trick in the eighth over of the innings. South Africa crashed to 89 inside 15 overs.

Given their performance in the first T20I, it will take South Africa a near-superhuman effort to level the series at St George’s Park.

Head to head

The win at New Wanderers took Australia’s lead in the equation to 12-7. This includes 6-5 on South African soil.

Key players

Dale Steyn (South Africa): Even at this age stood out despite bowling in the Powerplay overs against a dangerous top order – that too when neither Kagiso Rabada nor Lungi Ngidi managed to stem the flow of runs. The onus will be on him to lead the attack yet again.

Adam Zampa (Australia): Australia’s premier spinner in limited-overs cricket was at his formidable self at the Wanderers. He is likely to expose South Africa’s lack of experience, especially against world-class spin, yet again.

Likely XIs

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, JJ Smuts, David Miller, Pite van Biljon, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson.

Prediction

Australia to win and take the series.