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'World Cup se pehle ach khelna shuru' - Fans react to Australia's resounding 8-wicket win over South Africa in 2nd T20I, clinch three-match series

Australia clinched the three-match series against South Africa in the second T20I with a resounding 8-wicket win.

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Daniel S
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AUS vs SA 2nd T20I

AUS vs SA 2nd T20I (Source: Twitter)

With another dominant performance in both departments, Australia registered an emphatic 8-wicket win over South Africa in the second T20I. Absolute carnage from Matthew Short and skipper Mitchell Marsh made a mockery of the 165-run chase. With this victory in Durban, the Kangaroos clinched the three-match T20I series and signalled a threat to all ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

After being put into bat first, the home got off to a decent start with Temba Bavuma scoring a brisk 17-ball 35. However, Australia regained control with quick wickets and left South Africa reeling at 46/4 in 6 overs. It was pacer Nathan Ellis who did the early damage with a double strike in the sixth over. However, captain Aiden Markram (38 off 49) and Tristan Stubbs (27 off 20) rescued them with a brief partnership that helped them post 164-8 in 20 overs.

Matthew Short and Mitchell Marsh tore through SA bowling line-up

In reply, Australia had a strong start with Short and Travis Head coming out all guns blazing. Lizaad Williams removed Head in the fifth over, but Short continued his onslaught along with captain Marsh. The duo put on a 100 partnership for the second wicket and took the game away from the hosts. The target of 165 was decent but it did not threaten the visitors for a moment.

Short displayed scintillating attacks in the powerplay and then it was complete dominance from Marsh, who is probably in the best batting form of his life. The former was dismissed in the 12th over after a 30-ball 66, but Marsh (79 off 39) helped his side cross the finish line with 31 balls to spare. Earlier, Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott claimed three wickets to restrict South Africa below 170.

"Really proud of the boys. This game however was setup by the bowlers. It is obviously tough for the new guys, Spencer had to rest tonight because some of the guys were coming back. It is lovely to have experienced guys like Behrendorff also around in the dressing room. We'll certainly be up and about on Sunday, I think it is a day game. Both teams will put on their best," Aussie captain Marsh said after the match.

Here's how fans reacted to Australia's emphatic win in the second T20I:

Australia South Africa Mitchell Marsh