Australia recovered from a disastrous start to beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first men's T20 international in Darwin. Chasing 179, the visitors were well placed at 120 for 5 before a double strike from Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa turned the match.
Tim David's explosive 83 off 48 balls rescued Australia after they slumped to 46 for 5, with Kwena Maphaka taking 4 for 18. David's innings, featuring six sixes, lifted the hosts to 178 for 8.
South Africa's reply was anchored by Ryan Rickelton's 71 off 49 balls, but he struggled for timing early on. The required rate climbed, and despite a late flurry from Kagiso Rabada (10), the visitors fell short.
The turning point came in the 19th over when Glenn Maxwell took a stunning catch on the boundary to dismiss Rickelton. Maxwell leapt two metres beyond the rope, flicked the ball back one-handed, and regained his footing to complete the catch.
Josh Hazlewood finished with 2 for 24, while Adam Zampa took 2 for 27. The second match of the three-game series takes place on Tuesday.
