South Africa v Australia, 2013-14
Wisden's review of the second Twenty20 International, South Africa v Australia, 2013-14
15-Apr-2015
At Durban, March 12, 2014 (floodlit). Australia won by five wickets. Toss: Australia. Twenty20 international debut: B. E. Hendricks.
More showers threatened to reduce the series to a single game, but a break in the weather and diligent work by the groundstaff did allow some cricket. Players on both sides had concerns about the slippery outfield - partly alleviated by sawdust - but match referee Chris Broad was determined the crowd should get some entertainment, and a seven-over contest was squeezed in. The invention and power of de Kock pushed South Africa to a decent score in the circumstances, but knowing the scale of the target was always going to be a significant advantage. Warner conjured an ideal start, clattering the Kingsmead stands, before a few hiccups meant Australia required 15 from the final over. The 39-year-old Hodge had been cast as their finisher, and two clean blows justified the billing.
Man of the Match: B. J. Hodge.
More showers threatened to reduce the series to a single game, but a break in the weather and diligent work by the groundstaff did allow some cricket. Players on both sides had concerns about the slippery outfield - partly alleviated by sawdust - but match referee Chris Broad was determined the crowd should get some entertainment, and a seven-over contest was squeezed in. The invention and power of de Kock pushed South Africa to a decent score in the circumstances, but knowing the scale of the target was always going to be a significant advantage. Warner conjured an ideal start, clattering the Kingsmead stands, before a few hiccups meant Australia required 15 from the final over. The 39-year-old Hodge had been cast as their finisher, and two clean blows justified the billing.
Man of the Match: B. J. Hodge.