Proteas confident despite loss

South Africa are confident of hitting back tomorrow, according to top-order batter Ryan Rickelton, despite being outplayed in the first game of a three-match T20 International series in Darwin yesterday.

- Wesley Botton

Set a target of 179 runs to win, the Proteas struggled to build partnerships, and while opener Rickelton tried to hold the innings together, he did not receive sufficient support.

Rickelton contributed 71 runs off 55 balls, hitting his second T20 International half-century before he was removed in the final over of the innings, and the Proteas were restricted to 161/9 in their 20 overs as they were handed a 17-run defeat.

Seamer Ben Dwarshuis (3/26) and Josh Hazlewood (3/27) were the best Australian bowlers.