Proteas lament missed chances in Darwin

THE Proteas were left to rue a crucial dropped catch in their 17-run loss in the opening T20I against Australia at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Sunday, wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton admitted afterwards.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

South Africa had been set a target of 179, after skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to field first. The Proteas managed to peg back the hosts after a furious start, and appeared on course to chase down a modest total until some big hitting by Tim David took the game away from them.

David smashed eight sixes in a blistering 83 from 52 balls to lift Australia to a competitive total. South Africa could only manage 169 for nine in reply, thanks largely to 71 from Rickelton.

Young speedster Kwena Maphaka starred with the ball for the Proteas, finishing with figures of 4/20. However, the Proteas had a golden chance to dismiss David when he was on 56, and Rickelton admitted that was a turning point in the match.

“I thought we bowled really well,” said Rickleton, at the post-match media conference.