Aussies win thriller to level T20I series

Australia

David Warner and Glenn Maxwell both smashed fifties as Australia beat South Africa by five wickets in the second T20I at the Wanderers to level the three-match series at one-all.

The Australia pair put 161 for the fourth wicket, the fourth highest partnership in the history of T20Is, to rescue the Aussies who were in trouble at 32 for three chasing a massive target of 205.

Warner bludgeoned his way to 77 from 40 balls, including six fours and five sixes, while Maxwell smoked 75 off 43 balls to put the Proteas' bowling attack under some serious pressure.

Both Aussie batsman were out though and it came down to 12 needed off the final over but James Faulkner (7*) and Mitchell Marsh (2*) did enough to seal the win as the teams head to Newlands on Wednesday for the series decider.

Earlier the hosts would have been confident of victory after posting a commanding 204 for seven in their 20 overs, with captain Faf du Plessis stroking 79.

Quinton de Kock started the innings well as he made his way to 44 before being bowled by Faulkner on another lovely batting deck in Johannesburg.

David Miller added impetus lower down the order with 33 from 18 balls as the Proteas would have thought that they had posted a winning score.

Faulkner was the pick of the Australia bowlers finishing with figures of three for 28 in his four overs.

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