Australia, South Africa Set for Darwin T20I Opener

Australia and South Africa will open their three-match T20I cricket series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on August 10, marking the venue's first T20I. Australia arrives after a 5-0 sweep of the West Indies, while South Africa brings back captain Aiden Markram and other key players following their close loss in Zimbabwe's tri-series final. Both teams are using the series to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, fielding a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talent—Australia with Marsh, Head, and David, and South Africa with Dewald Brevis, Rabada, and Ngidi. The pitch is predicted to favor batters, with some initial help for bowlers and no rain expected. Historically, Australia leads South Africa 17-8 in T20Is and will have home advantage. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports and Willow TV in the US, with streaming on Jio Hotstar and Fubo.