WATCH: Aiden Markram’s stunning catch to dismiss Steve Smith

Australia and South Africa locked horns with each other for the first Match of the Super 12 of the T20 World Cup. The former exuded their dominance initially to restrict the Proteas at just 118 at the end of 20 overs. When it looked that Australia had the complete command over the game, the Temba Bavuma-led side brought back life to the game by pulling the momentum a tad bit to their side.

Whilst the match, something that caught the attention of the cricket on-lookers was the splendid catch by Aiden Markram to dismiss the set batter, Steve Smith. The batter had already contributed 35 runs to the team’s account and was stitching in a good partnership alongside Glenn Maxwell. However, Markram’s effort broke the momentum and built South Africa’s hopes of winning the match.

Though South Africa didn’t have enough runs on board, they looked pretty impressive whilst fielding. Anrich Nortje bowled a short of a length delivery which Smith looked to pull. Markram dived towards his right and keeping his eyes tight on the ball, he got his hands safely around the ball to grab a spectacular catch. The timing of his dive was perfect as Markram managed to turn the game on its head.

After this wicket, Australia were reduced to 80-4. In the very next over, Tabraiz Shamsi chimed in to send back the in-form Glenn Maxwell. These two quick wickets provided some momentum to South Africa. Their bowlers were quite impressive on the field. But Australia kept their cool to get over the line in the final over of the innings.

Earlier in the day, after having won the toss, Australia elected to bowl first at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The decision went their way as they were able to restrict the Proteas to a low total. South Africa lost frequent wickets and couldn’t stitch in crucial partnerships.

The bowlers of the Aaron Finch-led side ran through the opposition’s batting line-up to exude their dominance in the game. Aiden Markram who completed a stunning catch had also contributed valuable runs to the team. The batter had played a poised inning of 40 runs to hold the fort of the side.