Australia return to Darwin for the first time in 17 years, kicking off a three-match T20I series against South Africa on August 10. Mitchell Marsh’s side are riding high after a flawless 5-0 sweep of the West Indies, boosted by the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa arrive looking to bounce back from a narrow three-run defeat to New Zealand in the Harare Tri-Series final on July 26. Both teams see this series as a crucial tune-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the opening clash promises a high-intensity start.
Here's a look at the match prediction, expected lineups, top betting tips, latest odds and live scorecard updates.
Head-to-head record: Australia vs. South Africa in T20Is
Australia hold the edge over South Africa in T20Is, winning 17 of the 25 meetings between the sides. South Africa have claimed victory eight times, but recent form and depth in Australia’s squad make the rivalry an uphill battle for the Proteas in recent years.
- Total matches: 25
- Australia wins: 17
- South Africa wins: 8
- Tied/No result: 0
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Josh Inglis (AUS): Inglis has been a consistent force with the bat. His aggressive stroke play and ability to accelerate in the middle overs make him a key asset for Australia.
Dewald Brevis (SA): Brevis smashed 133 runs in the recent tri-series at a strike rate of 187.32, showcasing his fearless approach against both pace and spin. His power-hitting at the top can give South Africa explosive starts.
Bowlers to watch
Adam Zampa (AUS): Zampa leads Australia’s T20I wicket charts over the last year with 20 scalps. His control and variations in the middle overs often break partnerships and tilt matches in Australia’s favour.
Kagiso Rabada (SA): Rabada has taken 13 wickets in his last nine T20Is while maintaining an impressive economy of 6.29. His ability to strike early and control the run rate makes him a vital weapon in the Proteas attack.
AUS vs. SA betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, Australia are favourites at 1.44, while South Africa sit at 2.81. The odds reflect Australia’s dominant head-to-head record and recent form, making them the more likely winners, although South Africa’s power hitters could still turn the tide if they fire.
Odds | |
Australia | 1.44 |
South Africa | 2.81 |
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Australia to win the match: Australia enter as clear favourites based on their dominant head-to-head record and recent form.
- First dismissal to be caught: Given the aggressive batting approach in the powerplay and the pace-friendly conditions expected in Darwin, a top-edge or mistimed shot is the likeliest early breakthrough.
- Travis Head to score over 24.5 runs: Head’s current form and ability to dominate the powerplay make this a strong pick. If he gets going early, crossing the 25-run mark looks well within reach.
Get 150% deposit match up to ₹150,000 when you sign up for a new account with Dafabet. Click here to claim.
Australia vs. South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
Australia Team News
Travis Head returns to partner captain Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order, with Marsh confirming the pairing will be the first-choice opening duo going forward.
Matthew Short is back from injury but may miss out on the opener due to the strong performances of Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Mitchell Owen in the West Indies series. Inglis impressed with 172 runs at a blistering strike rate, Green topped the run charts with three fifties, and Owen provided explosive middle-order hitting.
Australia (predicted playing XI): Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
South Africa Team News
Aiden Markram leads a squad mixing experience with youth, including rising stars Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius after promising displays in Zimbabwe. Kagiso Rabada returns as the senior pacer, supported by Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, and Prenelan Subrayen. Marco Jansen misses out through injury, while Keshav Maharaj is not part of the T20I squad.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Senuran Muthusamy, George Linde, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger
AUS vs. SA live scorecard: 1st T20I
To follow the action between Australia vs. South Africa live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted site.
Where to watch AUS vs. SA T20I in India
- Venue: Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin
- Date & Time (IST): Sunday, August 10, 2:45 PM
- Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: Star Sports Network
RELATED LINKS: