International cricket returns to Darwin after 17 years, Australia wins by 17 runs

International cricket returned to Darwin after 17 years, and Australia won in that comeback match. The hosts defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first T20I held on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Australia, having won the toss and elected to bat first, were in dire straits, losing six wickets for just 75 runs. However, Tim David's devastating batting changed the situation. The man-of-the-match batsman scored 83 runs off 52 balls, hitting eight sixes and four fours. Cameron Green added a blistering 35 runs off 13 balls. Australia collected a fighting 178 runs before being all out on the last ball. None of the rest of the team's batsmen could score more than 20 runs.

In reply, Ryan Rickelton fought alone for South Africa. He scored 71 runs off 55 balls, but his innings was ended by a brilliant catch from Glenn Maxwell. Tristan Stubbs scored 37 runs. However, Josh Hazlewood and Ben Doerschis bowled brilliantly and the Proteas were restricted to 161 for 9 after 20 overs. Hazlewood and Doerschis took three wickets each.

With this victory, Australia won their ninth consecutive T20I. On the other hand, South Africa suffered their sixth consecutive defeat against Australia in this format.