Tim David bludgeoned eight sixes in his robust 83 and led Australia to a 17-run win over South Africa in the first T20 on Sunday as international cricket returned to Darwin after 17 years. David’s aggressive knock off 52 balls pushed Australia to 178 all out after the home team had lost five big hitters inside the first seven overs.

Australia defeated South Africa in the first T20I on Sunday (August 10) by 17 runs. Tim David won the player of the match for his brilliant 83-run knock off 52 balls with four fours and eight sixes to his name.

Australia's T20 team is embracing a fearless batting style ahead of the 2026 World Cup with Tim David saying it's "close to all guns blazing."

Power-hitter Tim David said the team’s aggressive start in the T20I series opener, when Australia routed South Africa by 17 runs, is part of the new approach they’re taking in preparation for the World Cup next year.

Tim David continued his form in T20Is from where he left off in the West Indies, in Darwin against South Africa, smashing a 52-ball 83, taking Australia to a competitive score of 178, despite being six down for just 75.

Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh described Tim David as the difference-maker as Australia opened up their three-match series against South Africa with a 17-run win in Darwin. Marsh had set an early tone by becoming the first Australia player to hit a six off the very first ball of a T20I, but the hosts soon found themselves 30-3.

Tim David set a new Australian record for most sixes in a T20I against South Africa, surpassing David Warner's 16-year-old record.

David played a brilliant knock of 83 and was crucial in Australia's 17-run victory over South Africa in first T20I of the five-match series

Darwin: Tim David crunched eight sixes in a blistering 83 from 52 balls to help Australia beat South Africa by 17 runs in their opening Twenty20 clash in Darwin on Sunday. After being sent in, the hosts were all out for 178 on the final delivery of their 20 overs in the first game of international cricket in Australia's tropical north for 17