Australia and South Africa are preparing to face off in the first T20I of a three-match series on Sunday at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin. The series marks the beginning of both teams' preparations for the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in February-March. Both sides come into the contest in red-hot form, having registered success in their recent assignments.

Australia enter the series riding a wave of momentum, having recently completed a dominant 5-0 whitewash over West Indies. Their batting has looked clinical, and their bowlers have delivered powerful spells consistently. Meanwhile, Australia’s senior bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc continue to rest ahead of the home summer, while Josh Hazlewood is back in the side. Heading into the series, Australia would expect their power hitters Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Mitch Owen to maintain their form.

South Africa, too, have been in staggering form. The Proteas had a tremendous outing in the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series, where they reached the final. However, they fell to New Zealand in the final. Nonetheless, South Africa would aim to bounce back strongly. They have been boosted by the return of Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada for the Australia series. The Proteas will see this series as an opportunity to bring consistency and sharpen their game plan against a top-tier side.

Head-to-head

Matches - 25

AUS won - 17

SA won - 8

Australia probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa probable XI: Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Prenelan Subrayen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi