Cricket fans worldwide are finally happy with the commencement of high-voltage ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The Super 12 stage began on Saturday (October 24) with a clash between Australia and South Africa. With these two teams being studded with T20 stalwarts, it was one of the most anticipates games of the tournament. Notably, spectators got to see this through the stands. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have allowed a certain amount of spectators in the stadium amid the COVID-19 crisis.
While several fans got to view the game from regular stands, many viewers were chilling out in special pods in the lawn. Apparently, The stadium officials put a certain size of pods in the area outside the field in order to make sure that the fans maintain social-distancing. The pod was made is good enough to accommodate more than three people. Hence, fans were having a gala time at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
WATCH – Quinton de Kock Found A Unique Way Of Getting Out
Coming back to the game, Australia won the toss and unsurprisingly decided to bat first at the venue which historically favors the chasing team. Aaron Finch’s call proved to be spot on as South Africa’s top-order collapsed like a peck of cards. While Temba Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen scored 12 and 13 respectively, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen failed to reach the double digits.
Australia start off their #T20WorldCup 2021 campaign in style 💥#AUSvSA | https://t.co/9nS8D6jMaw pic.twitter.com/eZWk4a2H7X
— ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2021
Speaking of Australia, Josh Hazlewood took a couple of wickets of the first four dismissals while Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins also struck early. Australia has certainly got a dream start and they would be determined to kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign on a winning note. On the other hand, the Protteas neeeded to put up a substantial effort to come back in the contest. Eventually, Australia chased down the total with a couple of balls to spare.
WATCH – Keshav Maharaj Got Out After A Terrible MIx-up With Aiden Markram
Meanwhile, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma looked pretty confident during the toss session as his side has done well in shortest format of the game. He had said, “It’s been a privilege to lead the team in the tournament, big responsibility and looking forward to it. We are coming off with some real momentum, not worried about any favorites tag, but we have to stay true to expectations – we have confidence in our team and we’ll look to do well.”
On the other hand, Aussies skipper, Aaron Finch said the primary focus for the men in yellow is to play quality cricket in the tournament. He explained, “We have a lot of experience in the side, we haven’t played as a group, but we’re looking forward to this tournament.”
