AUS Vs SA, 2nd T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips And Pitch Report | South Africa Tour Of Australia 2025

The Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin is set to witness another high-octane showdown as Australia and South Africa square off in the second T20I of the three-match series on Monday, August 12, 2025. The hosts hold a 1-0 lead after a pulsating 17-run win in the opener and will look to seal the series, while the Proteas must win to stay alive.

The first game had everything – early collapses, a sensational counterattack, a teenage fast-bowling revelation, and some surgical death bowling. And if that was a sign of what’s to come, cricket fans in Darwin are in for another treat.

Recap of the 1st T20I: Tim David’s Masterclass & Maphaka’s Moment

Australia’s innings in the series opener was hanging by a thread at 75/6. With big names like Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell back in the hut, the Proteas sensed blood. Enter Tim David – the big-hitting finisher who decided to start the fireworks early.

David’s 83 off 52 balls wasn’t just powerful; it was calculated. He blended towering sixes with smart strike rotation, farming the strike with the tail and turning a sub-par total into a defendable 178. His clean hitting against pace, especially down the ground, was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the best T20 finishers in the world.

But the real discovery of the night was Kwena Maphaka. At just 19 years old, the left-arm quick produced a dream spell – 4/20 – dismantling Australia’s top order with pace, bounce, and late movement. His inswinger to knock over Travis Head was a peach that would have made seasoned pros proud.

South Africa’s chase started brightly thanks to Ryan Rickelton, who stroked a fluent 71. However, the middle order faltered under the relentless accuracy of Josh Hazlewood (3/26) and Ben Dwarshuis (3/32), leaving them 17 runs short.

Series Context: High Stakes for the Proteas

For Australia, Monday’s clash offers a chance to clinch the series with a game to spare, something that will boost their confidence heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup preparations.

For South Africa, it’s do-or-die. A loss here means another T20I series defeat, something they can ill afford with the ICC event less than a year away. With several young players in the squad, including Maphaka and Dewald Brevis, the team is still finding its optimal combination.

Team Form & Analysis

Australia

Strengths:
- Deep batting lineup with finishers like Tim David and Matthew Short.
- World-class pace attack led by Hazlewood.
- Multiple all-round options in Cameron Green and Maxwell.
Weaknesses:
- Top-order inconsistency – early wickets in the 1st T20I exposed fragility.
- Lack of a left-arm pace option to trouble SA’s left-handers.

Player to Watch: Tim David – after his heroics in the first game, all eyes will be on whether he can repeat the magic or if SA will find a way to neutralize him.

South Africa

Strengths:
- Exciting new pace talent in Maphaka, backed by Rabada and Ngidi.
- Aggressive batting core with Rickelton, Markram, and Brevis.
Weaknesses:
- Middle-order collapses under pressure.
- Inexperience in Darwin’s conditions.

Player to Watch: Kwena Maphaka – if he strikes early again, South Africa could control the powerplay.

Key Player Battles to Watch

Tim David vs Kwena Maphaka
- The finisher vs the firebrand. David dominated the last 10 overs in the opener, but Maphaka has the pace to push him on the back foot early.
Mitchell Marsh vs Kagiso Rabada
- Marsh’s aggressive intent could be tested by Rabada’s sharp short-pitched bowling.
Travis Head vs Lungi Ngidi
- Head is dangerous when set, but Ngidi’s ability to hit the hard length might limit his free scoring.

Marrara Cricket Ground Pitch & Conditions

The Darwin pitch is generally true for batting – good bounce, even pace, and a lightning-quick outfield. With shorter boundaries, bowlers will have to rely on change-ups and yorkers to contain runs.

Weather: Hot and humid (around 32°C) with no rain forecast, which means the pitch should remain consistent throughout.
Chasing Advantage: Teams batting second often feel comfortable here due to the even bounce and dew factor later in the evening.

Head-to-Head in T20Is

Matches: 25
Australia Wins: 17
South Africa Wins: 8
No Results: 0

Australia’s dominance is clear, but South Africa’s most recent wins have come when they’ve been aggressive up front with the bat.

Probable Playing XIs

Australia:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Cameron Green, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis

South Africa:
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger

Dream11 Fantasy Picks: Detailed Tips

Wicketkeepers:

Josh Inglis – aggressive intent, capable of quick runs.
Ryan Rickelton – SA’s in-form batter from the first T20I.

Batters:

Mitchell Marsh – powerful striker, good record vs SA.
Travis Head – explosive in powerplays.
Aiden Markram – anchors the innings while maintaining a solid SR.
Dewald Brevis – wildcard pick who can change the game in a few overs.

All-rounders:

Glenn Maxwell – offers impact with both bat and ball.
Corbin Bosch – medium-pace variations could be handy in Darwin.

Bowlers:

Josh Hazlewood – consistent wicket-taker.
Adam Zampa – can exploit middle overs if SA’s middle order struggles.
Kagiso Rabada – proven strike bowler in all phases.

Captain/Vice-Captain Choices:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Dewald Brevis (vc)
Travis Head (c), Kagiso Rabada (vc)

Prediction: Australia Slight Favourites

Given the depth in their batting and their proven bowling attack, Australia start as slight favourites. However, if South Africa’s top order clicks and Maphaka gets early breakthroughs, the contest could swing in their favour.

Expect another high-scoring match, with 180+ totals in play and the crowd in Darwin treated to some fireworks.

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