What has really happened to South Africa, they are struggling in all departments against Australia in ongoing T20I series. South African bowlers have been so poor with their line and lenths. In the second T20I at Kingsmead, Durban, Australia chased down 165 runs target posted by South Africa in the most commandeering way possible.
South African bowlers had no chance to put a hault on carnage launched by Matthew Short and Mitchell Marsh, they could only bowl and watch the ball being hit ferociously and sail over quite a few times. There were still 31 balls left in the chase, this says how dominating were the Australians at Kingsmead, Durban.
South Africa Struggled with the Bat
In both T20Is South Africa has struggled verily with the bat. Temba Bavuma did try provide a lighting start but his innings was cut short by Sean Abbott at 35. Neither Reeza Hendricks nor Rassie Van der Dussen could add something substantial, losing their wickets while playing ordinary shots.
Well South Africa has relatively inexperienced middle and lower order so it becomes necessary for the top order to keep the engine running, however, they have proved not only inconsistent but also ineffective in this case, leaving too much a gap. The experiment of Dewald Brevis is not working at all, in both games, he gifted his wicket more than anything, trying to start impressively but only could play reckless shots.
The case of Aiden Markam is an interesting one. In urge to become a captain, he has let down his batting standard. Now unfortunately, he has been failing at both, leading the side with unclear plans and batting against the tide of natural game. While both teams, South Africa and Australia, in this T20I series, have tried to be agressive with the bat, the difference has been the attitude and confidence.
What should we expect in the third T20I?
Mitchell Marsh has scored 188 runs in this series and yet to be dismissed by South African bowlers. On the other hand, Matthew Short treated them like U-16 set of bowlers who, upon getting hit a couple of big shots, will err massively in their line and lengths. So there are many problems for South Africa, yet they think that this is due to the young line-up, only to content themselves.
Losing without being competitive has been the case in both T20I matches. Now Australia have won the series, they might like to test the depth of their team squad on Sunday. On the other hand, for South Africa, the final game will be about proving that they are capable of learning from their errors and most importantly, this young South Africa side can turn the tides because there is lot of potential in the team.
