In Match 1 of Group 1 of ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Australia defeated South Africa by five wickets at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Saturday.
Australia chased down the target of 119 in 19.4 overs with Steve Smith scoring 34-ball 35.
For South Africa, Anrich Nortje took two wickets while Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi got one each.
Earlier, Electing to bowl, Australia restricted South Africa to a meagre 118 for nine.
Aiden Markram scored 40 for the Proteas after their top-order crumbled. Kagiso Rabada was the next best batter for them with an unbeaten 19-run knock at number eight.
Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood (2/19) and Mithcell Starc (2/31) took two wickets apiece while spinner Adam Zampa (2/21) also accounted for two batters.
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Australia vs South Africa full scorecard
Australia vs South Africa playing 11 South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch(c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Australia vs South Africa head-to-head - Total matches played: 23
- Australia won: 14
- South Africa won: 8
- Abandoned: 1
Australia vs South Africa head-to-head in T20 World Cups - Total matches played: 2
- Australia won: 2
- South Africa: 0
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