Australian batter Tim David underlined the team’s fearless approach in T20Is after their 17-run win against South Africa in the first match of the series. Australia’s innings was powered by David’s blistering 83 off 52 balls, featuring eight sixes and four fours, alongside Cameron Green’s quickfire 35 from just 13 deliveries.
Despite a shaky start at 30/3 after being put in to bat, the duo’s 40-run stand in just 16 balls shifted momentum. Australia eventually posted 179, with Josh Hazlewood’s 3/27 playing a crucial role in halting South Africa’s chase. Ryan Rickelton (71 off 55) and Tristan Stubbs (37 off 27) fought hard, sharing an 82-run partnership, but fell short.
Speaking to the media post-match, David explained that Australia thrives on trusting its batters to make their own decisions. “It’s not our plan to be four down within six overs, but it happens. We have great calibre batters and back each one to choose the right option. The coaches trust us, and we read the game as it unfolds; that’s the nature of T20 cricket,” he said.
David emphasised that Australia’s batting philosophy is built on relentless aggression. “If you’ve seen us bat in recent times, whether in Australia or abroad, you’d know we go almost all guns blazing. That’s when we believe we’re at our best.”
Since the T20 World Cup last year, Australia has led the world in powerplay scoring, striking at 195.92 with an average of 66.52 runs in the first six overs. Though they’ve lost 29 wickets in this phase, more than any other team, the payoff has been significant. England, India, and New Zealand are the only other sides with strike rates above 150 during this period, but Australia’s ultra-attacking mindset has kept them ahead in terms of impact.