Follow UsTim David rescued Australia once again from a precarious position to help his side to a competitive total in the first T20 International (T20I) against South Africa in Darwin on August 10 (Sunday). He came in to bat at 30/3 in the fourth over and smashed 83 off just 52 deliveries to take Australia to 178.
While MS Dhoni is known to be one of the greatest finishers in world cricket, David's stature is growing by the day. In fact, David strikes at 175.15 in T20Is batting five or below, while Dhoni in his illustrious T20I career managed to strike at just 121.35.
David also struck as many as eight sixes in his knock against South Africa, which is the most by an Australian against South Africa in T20Is.
8 - Tim David, Darwin, 2025*
6 - Travis Head, Durban, 2023
6 - David Warner, Melbourne, 2009
6 - David Hussey, Johannesburg, 2009
Just a fortnight ago, David smashed his maiden T20I century, hitting 102* off just 37 deliveries to help his side chase down 215. In doing so, he also registered the fastest century for Australia in the shortest format.
In the clash against South Africa, he put on 40 (16) with Camron Green, 59 (42) with Ben Dwarshuis and then 30 (23) with Nathan Ellis to put Australia on top. Their bowlers, too, started off well, putting the Aussies in a prime position to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.