DURBAN — In a fiery clash that marked the commencement of the KFC T20 International (T20I) series, Australia established a formidable foothold, trouncing the Proteas by an emphatic 111-run margin at the illustrious Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Wednesday.

Reeza Hendricks emerged as a lone warrior for the Proteas, mustering a commendable half-century with his bat, as he crafted a steadfast 56 off 43 deliveries, comprising 5 fours and 2 sixes. Regrettably, his efforts found minimal reinforcement, leaving the hosts bowled out for a total of 115.

Chasing the highest-ever T20I score at the Kingsmead venue — a monumental 226 for 6 — the Proteas faltered in the face of an indomitable Australian onslaught. In this convincing triumph, Australia claimed a commanding 1-0 lead in the fiercely contested three-match series.

The battle resumes at the same hallowed venue on Friday, as South Africa endeavors to rally from their initial setback, seeking redemption in what proved to be a subpar opening display for the 2023/24 home international season.

The encounter bore witness to the initiation of two Proteas debutants, the ascending young talent of Dewald Brevis and Gerald Coetzee. Additionally, a historic moment graced South Africa as Bongani Jele and Lubabalo Gcuma scripted history, becoming the first pair of black African umpires to jointly officiate an international match.

Aiden Markram captained the Proteas, opting to field first against a predominantly uncharacteristic Australian side bereft of several of their regular players. Nevertheless, marshaled under their fresh captain Mitchell Marsh (92* off 49 balls, 13 fours, 2 sixes), Australia rallied, amassing an imposing total, as the Proteas' bowlers grappled to contain them.

Contributing to this formidable scorecard, Tim David notched an explosive 64 off a mere 28 balls, punctuated by 7 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership of 97 for the fifth wicket with his skipper significantly bolstered the Australian charge.

In pursuit of the monumental target, the South African reply faltered from the outset, losing Temba Bavuma for a duck in the opening over. Although a minor resurgence was witnessed when Hendricks joined forces with Rassie van der Dussen (21) to forge a 46-run partnership, the relentless run-rate pressure plagued the batting lineup.

Despite Hendricks' valiant persistence, the Proteas' wickets tumbled with consistent regularity. Aiden Markram (7), Dewald Brevis (5), and Tristan Stubbs (0) were dismissed cheaply as the scoreboard pressure intensified. A brief cameo from Marco Jansen (20) offered some resistance, but ultimately, the Proteas capitulated in 15.3 overs, surrendering to the visiting team's dominance.

Spinner Tanveer Sangha, one of Australia's four debutants, emerged as their standout bowler with a remarkable four-wicket haul conceding 31 runs. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis claimed three wickets for a mere 18 runs.

As the dust settles on this pulsating contest, the Proteas must regroup and recalibrate their strategies to mount a comeback against the Australian juggernaut. The stage is set for a riveting clash in the upcoming fixtures of the KFC T20I Series, where both teams strive to etch their supremacy in the annals of cricket history.

Proteas T20I Squad against Australia:
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Donovan Ferreira (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans), and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

KFC T20I Series Fixtures:

Wednesday, August 30 at 18:00: South Africa lost to Australia by 111 runs at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
Friday, September 1 at 18:00: 2nd KFC T20I at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
Sunday, September 3 at 14:00: 3rd KFC T20I at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]