End of a cracking innings. Shivam Dube got the big fish in the net. Tim David is gone after an entertaining 74-run innings off 38 balls during Australia vs. India 3rd T20I (AUS vs. IND 3rd T20I) of the 5-match series. Near the boundary line, Tilak Varma took a stunning catch to end the stormy batting of Tim David. 

The Australian batter was at his peak against the Indian bowling attack at the Ninja stadium. The right-handed batter was toying with the bowlers. With his strong arms, David was smashing boundaries and over-boundaries for fun. He reached the half-century mark with ease. But India captain Suryakumar Yadav had the plan to clear him from the crease. 

Yadav introduced a combination of Shivam Dube, a pace bowling all-rounder, and a spinner from the other end. Varun Chakravarthy instantly proved his mettle by taking two wickets in two balls. David, who was on the other end of the wicket, could only see his teammates walking back to the dugout.

Read More: WATCH: Indian Women's Cricket Team visits Siddhivinayak Temple ahead of IND-W vs SA-W Women's World Cup 2025 Final

Tilak Varma takes a spectacular catch to dismiss Tim David

Before that successful over of Chakravarthy, David looked lethal against Dube, smashing multiple big shots against the medium pacer. Dube was continuously bowling well off the off stump, and David was hitting those balls for fun. It was a trap from Team India, which later worked. 

In the delivery David got out and there was also an outside delivery from Shivam Dube. This time, the batter did not make the right connection and ended up caught in Varma's safe pair of hands. The catch was not easy to execute. The ball was travelling over the long-off corridor when Tilak jumped timely after covering some ground and gathered the ball precisely right in front of the boundary rope. David had to go. 

Watch the catch here

OUT!

That's the one India wanted. Tim David is out for 74!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mjG6qLeL2s

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) November 2, 2025

Australia came into the third T20I of the five-match series against India at the Ninja Stadium in Hobart with a 1-0 lead and needed one more victory to take an undefeated lead. But they didn’t get a good start with the bat, having lost the toss to the visiting captain, Suryakumar Yadav. The home side lost both Travis Head and Josh Inglis early in the innings. 

Their captain, Mitchell Marsh, struggled to find a good rhythm and timing with the bat before Tim David showed his power. The latter has enjoyed a great T20 record at the venue with a strike rate of over 170 in 26 T20 innings, and he used his power brilliantly during the knock.

See Also: [WATCH] Arshdeep Singh dismisses Travis Head for 6 during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I in Hobart

On the fifth ball of the seventh over against India’s left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, the right-handed batter went forward and lofted the shot over the shade of the stadium. It went out of the ground with the strong elevation as Axar, for a moment, thought of hiding his face. It was a 129m six from the batter.

Watch: Tim David smashed monster six of 129m against Axar Patel during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I

On the third ball of the same over, David sliced the spinner over the sweeper cover for a huge six. He opened the bat face and hit it to the short boundary with the breeze. When India introduced Shivam Dube into the attack, David took his beast mode and clubbed three boundaries to celebrate his fifty in just 23 balls. It was the second-fastest T20I fifty from an Australian batter against India by balls.

What a hand power man 130M six by Tim David 🥵🥵 pic.twitter.com/0N9PRABZqv

— Raf! (@MBVKtweets) November 2, 2025

He even showed his brutal force against Varun Chakravarthy. He came down the track and took the ball on a half-volley to loft it with the wind for a six. Two balls later, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter got forward and smashed the ball flat over the fence for the same result.

He was finally dismissed by Dube for 74 runs in 38 balls, riding on eight boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of nearly 200. Australia pushed their way to 118/5 in 13 overs and looked good to cross the 180-mark in their allotted 20 overs.

Rain washed out the second game, leaving the final clash as a straight chance for New Zealand to level the series. The series began poorly for New Zealand, who failed to defend 182 in the first T20I as Australia wrapped up the target inside 16.3 overs while losing just four wickets

On the other hand, Mitchell Marsh delivered a captain’s innings to open the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series, blasting 85 off 43 deliveries to put Australia firmly on top. Chasing 182, the target never looked out of reach as others around him chipped away to ease the pressure.

NZ vs AUS Match Details

Date: 4th October, 2025

Time: 11:45 AM IST

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

NZ vs AUS Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 185-190

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction 3rd T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Tim Robinson (NZ) - 106 runs in this Series 

• Mitchell Marsh (AUS) - 94 runs in this Series 

• Daryl Mitchell (NZ) – 34 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Ben Dwarshuis (AUS) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Matt Henry (NZ) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Matthew Short (AUS) - 1 wicket in this Series 

NZ vs AUS Recent Form

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AUS bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AUS is expected to score 200-210 runs

• Result prediction- AUS will win the match by 15-20 Runs 

Scenario 2- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 180-190 runs.

• Result prediction- AUS will win the match by 5 wickets 

NZ vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI 

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Australia (AUS) Playing XI

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

NZ vs AUS Complete Squad

New Zealand - 

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Australia -

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

Australia to win

We predict that Australia will win the 3rd T20I match. The likes of Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Ben Dwarshuis will be key players to watch out for.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have begun their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 campaign on a high note, winning both of their opening matches in convincing style. The team looks dominant in all areas, under the leadership of seasoned Imran Tahir, and has early momentum in the tournament. They face the Saint Lucia Kings in Match 13 at St Lucia. There is extra motivation for this game as it was the Kings that stood in the way of winning their second CPL title last season. Guyana will want to get one back and build on their winning streak.

See Also: Most runs by Indian batters in Test Wins

Conversely, the Saint Lucia Kings have had trouble finding their rhythm in this campaign. They have one victory out of four total games played, with two matches washed out and one lost. Under the leadership of David Wiese, they are in second last place on the points table, and as defending champions, they must turn things around. A win against the form Warriors could rekindle their season, and in hopes, set them confidently in motion for their title defence.

Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, Match 13: Live Streaming Details

Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, Match 13: Probable Playing XI

St Lucia Kings Playing XI 

Johnson Charles, Tim Seifert (WK), Aukeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Tim David, Delano Potgieter, David Wiese (C), Alzarri Joseph, Keon Gaston, Kharry Pierre, Tabraiz Shamsi

Guyana Amazon Warriors Playing XI

Ben McDermott, Kevlon Anderson, Shai Hope (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Moeen Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Dwaine Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir (C), Shamar Joseph

The former Indian spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has dropped a bombshell ahead of the mini auction of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he informed that a few decision-makers of the IPL franchise ignored his suggestion of going for the aggressive Australia batter, Tim David, during the las year’s mega auction of the league.

Tim David, who has scored 83 and 50 during the ongoing home T20I series against South Africa, nailed 187 runs for the title-winning side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in nine innings at an average of 62.33 and a strike rate of 185.14 with the best score of an unbeaten 50 runs. This was a strange decision from the Mumbai Indians, who left him even after scoring 241 runs at 158.55 in 2024.

See Also: Joe Root eyes to register this massive Ashes 2025/26 record in Australia

“I shouldn't say this, but I told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him before the last auction. They all said, 'No, his game has dropped off drastically.” Ravichandran Ashwin expressed the advice during the new episode on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin leaks story of IPL franchises ignoring his suggestion

One of the crazy parts for the Australian batter was his impressive skills of making an impact, coming late in the batting order and still contributing with the vital runs on several occasions. For Australia, he holds a key role of showing his power-hitting skills late in the batting order. Ashwin also sheds light on how the tall batters will earn more success in the shortest format.

“I believe the future of T20 cricket is going to be having tall batters with long levers and a strong build. They are going to rule the roost if there are no changes brought to the wide line.” The Tamil Nadu spin all-rounder explained.

David has overall smashed 1466 runs in 52 innings of the T20Is at an average of 37.58 and a strike rate of nearly 170, with the help of eight half-centuries and a century. The unbeaten 102-run knock came last month against the West Indies in the Caribbean. He could push himself for the ODIs, where he has featured in four innings at an average of 11.25 for 44 runs at the best score of 35.

After some multiple exciting test series, teams started to confront each other in the T20I format. Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are some of the notable nations to play T20Is in the recent past. The recent Twenty20 matches have influenced the latest updates of ICC T20I batters rankings. Because of the ongoing T20I series between Australia and South Africa, some of their players got the opportunity to improve their positions in the list. While some other players, who are not related to the T20I series involving these two nations, lose their spots. But there are some exceptions too. Since February 2025, India has not participated in a single T20I match; still, Abhishek Sharma, based on his last performances, remained on top of the points table, while Tilak Varma moved to 2nd place with 804 points. Through this article we'll derive the best 5 T20I batters with the help of recent points developments. 

List of 5 batters in T20Is:

Tilak Varma:

As the International Cricket Council (ICC) promoted the young batter to 2nd place of the tally, he should be in the list. Varma, 22 years old, played 25 matches for Team India and scored 749 runs to etch a brilliant average of 49.93, the second-best average of T20Is, with a highest individual score of an unbeaten 120. And he's among the top 5 T20I batters in the world to score hundreds in consecutive matches in the format.

Phil Salt:

Like Varma, Phil Salt also played his last T20I back in February this year but moved from 4th place to the 3rd spot of the ICC T20I rankings. In his last T20I match, which was against India, the opener scored an inspiring 55 runs at Wankhede. For England, the attacking batter played 43 T20Is to score a total of 1193 runs at an average of 34.08.

Tim David:

The big man from Australia has moved forward by 6 steps and moved into the top 10 of the ICC T20I Rankings for the batters. The all-rounder, who's mostly known for his power-hitting abilities, rescued team Australia multiple times from trouble. David mostly came to bat at number 5 or lower. Being a lower-order batter, he often got a very limited number of balls to prove himself. For Australia, the 29-year-old cricketer played brilliantly against Australia and the West Indies. Against Australia, he scored 83 and 50 in Darwin. And in a match against the West Indies, the batter scored a century as well. 

Cameroon Green:

Another cricketer from Australia who has made progress in the rankings. Moving up by 6 spots, Green is currently at number 17. The 26-year-old all-rounder played a pivotal role for the Australia cricket team during the series against the West Indies and against South Africa too. At Basseterre, against WI, he scored an unbeaten 55. In 20 T20Is for the Aussies, Green scored 512 runs at an average of 34.13. 

Dewald Brevis:

From outside the top 100 to 21st, the young South African batter has gained massively. That phenomenal 125-run innings from his blade helped South Africa to square the three-match series against the Aussies at 1-1. It was the highest T20I score by any South African men's batter and the highest ever against Australia in what was Brevis' ninth T20I appearance for his country.

After a terrific performance during the opening T20I of the first-match series from the home side between Australia and South Africa, the home side looked to repeat the same performance in the second encounter to win the series. But things certainly didn’t go according to their plan as the Proteas used their power to post a huge score on the board at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.

After the top three of the Rainbow Nation struggled to get going, Dewald Brevis took things on his hands as he broke several records and celebrated a fine knock of unbeaten 125 runs in 56 balls at a strike rate of over 220, with the help of 12 boundaries and eight sixes, while Tristan Stubbs smashed 31 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 140. They put 218/7 in their 20 overs. The eyes for Australia were on Tim David in the chase. 

See Also: [WATCH] Dewald Brevis smashes no-look six during AUS vs SA 2nd T20I match

Australia kept losing wickets at the top like in the previous fixture. But Tim David, coming in at number four, didn’t lose hope. He belted the right-arm leg spinner, Nqabayomzi Peter, for a six on the second ball of the seventh over at deep square-leg before putting the final ball of the over on the roof for the same result.

Watch: Tim David smashes Nqabayomzi Peter for roof-top massive six

The home side lost their opening batter, Travis Head, for five runs in eight balls on the last ball of the second over. The left-handed batter swung his willow against Aiden Makram, but he didn’t get the same elevation on the bat and found the fielder at deep mid-wicket for five runs in eight balls.

TIM DAVID FINDS THE ROOF 😱@BKTtires | #PlayoftheDay | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/BVOdu4FeTV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 12, 2025

Cameron Green also went back to the dressing room for nine runs in seven balls. Tim David, on his very first balls of the knock, drilled three back-to-back boundaries. Mitchell Marsh also went back to the pavilion as the focus was only on David.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter celebrated his second successive fifty of the series. After 50 runs in 24 balls with the help of four boundaries and four sixes, the right-handed batter found the extra-cover fielder and went back to the dressing room.

Australia have continued their winning streak in the T20I format after defeating South Africa by 17 runs in the home T20I series opener, where Tim David was the hero for the Aussies with the bat.

Marrara Oval in Darwin hosted its first T20I, which was also the venue's first international cricket match since 2008. After South African captain Aiden Markram chose to field first, Australia scored 178 all out. It was the first time South Africa bowled out Australia in a T20I match. In reply, Proteas were restricted to 161/9. With this victory, hosts Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. It was the ninth straight T20I win for Australia. 

[Watch] RCB Power-Hitter Smashes Enormous 109m Six in AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Tim David rescued Australia from 75/6

Aussie top-order batters' over-aggressive approach little backfired on the hosts as they were batting at 71/4 at the end of the powerplay. Although there were some powerful hits, especially from Cameron Green, who scored 35 off just 13 balls with four fours and three sixes, regular wickets falling put the hosts under pressure. Soon, the hosts were struggling at 75/6. While Australia's 100+ score was a dream at that moment, Tim David kept his cool and produced a memorable T20I knock.

David had a 59-run partnership with Ben Dwarshuis (17) for the seventh wicket and another 30-run partnership with Nathan Ellis for the eighth wicket, where the no.5 batter played the important roles. The right-handed middle-order batter completed his 50 runs in 29 balls, and since then, he regularly worked for boundaries. David was dropped twice, while Tristan Stubbs' drop in the 16th over cost the visitors hugely. 

Before his dismissal in the 19th over, David scored 83 off 52 balls with four fours and eight sixes. Only he and Green managed to reach the 20-run mark in that innings, while captain Mitchell Marsh (12), Ben Dwarshuis (17), and Nathan Ellis (12) were the other to reach the double-digit scores in that innings. 

Among the South African bowlers, Kwena Maphaka took four wickets (4/20), while Kagiso Rabada bagged two wickets (2/29), and spinner Senuran Muthusamy was also very good with the ball (1/24). 

Aussie pacers controlled the game

At the end of the powerplay, South Africa scored 48/3, as Aiden Markram (12), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (14), and Dewald Brevis (2) were dismissed early. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs put up a strong fightback with a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket. But after Stubbs was out for 37 off 27 balls (five fours), Rickelton fought lonely without any support from the other end, and the visitors failed to catch up the required run rate. After scoring 50 runs in 43 balls, Rickelton continued his innings till the last over, when he was dismissed after scoring 71 off 55 balls with seven fours and one six.  

Among the Aussie bowlers, Josh Hazlewood (3/27) and Ben Dwarshuis (3/26) got three wickets each, and Adam Zampa (2/33) picked up two wickets, while Glenn Maxwell (1/29) also took a wicket. 

RCB star and Australian big-hitter Tim David displayed his destructive batting in the opening T20I against South Africa at Marrara Oval, Darwin, on Sunday, August 10, thrilling fans with his powerful stroke play and commanding presence at the crease.

David smashed a colossal 109-meter six that had the crowd roaring in excitement. His powerful strike sent the ball soaring high into the night sky, leaving spectators stunned by the sheer distance it traveled. The massive hit reflected his ability to clear boundaries with ease and dominate opposition bowling attacks.

Social Media Handle of Cricket Australia (Cricket.com.au) shared a video of the incredible moment, showing the ball seemingly landing on the roof of the stadium. The clip quickly gained attention online, with fans and cricket enthusiasts praising David’s raw power and clean hitting. His six not only added valuable runs for Australia but also stood out as one of the most memorable moments of the match, further cementing his reputation as a dangerous T20 batter.

See Also: "Difficult to say.."- Former India star comments on speculations around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI retirement

Tim David Hits a Gigantic Six:

The towering six occurred in the 12th over when left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy was delivering his third over, having impressive figures of 2-0-2-1 at the time. Facing a full delivery outside the off-stump, Tim David unleashed his power, sending the ball soaring all the way onto the stadium roof. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Aussie Men’s Cricket Team (@ausmencricket)

The strike not only stunned the crowd but also forced a brief halt in play, as the umpires had to replace the ball. It was a moment that perfectly captured David’s fearless batting style and ability to turn the game’s momentum in an instant.

Tim David rescued Australia with a crucial 83 from 52 balls, turning the tide after a challenging start to the innings. His innings was packed with four boundaries and eight towering sixes, guiding the hosts to a competitive 178 in their allotted 20 overs.

He built vital partnerships along the way, adding important runs with Cameron Green (35) and Ben Dwarshuis (17), ensuring the innings gained momentum after early setbacks. His attacking shots shifted momentum, putting South Africa’s bowlers under pressure and changing the course of the match in Australia’s favour.

For the visitors, young left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka impressed with outstanding bowling figures of 4 overs, 20 runs, and 4 wickets. Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets, while Senuran Muthusamy, George Linde, and Lungi Ngidi chipped in with one each. Earlier in the day, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to exploit the conditions — a decision that initially paid off before David’s counterattack shifted the balance.

South Africa and Australia met each other for the first of the three-match T20I series at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, where the visiting captain, Aiden Makram, won the toss and decided to bowl, given they had no confirmation on the surface, which was going to host a cricket fixture in 17 years. The balls flew around the park in the contest, along with wickets falling regularly. 

But a bizarre incident took place during the encounter, when Tim David pulled the short-length delivery. The ball flew into the square region before a spectator, from the crowd, grabbed a one-handed catch with two cans in one hand. It was a supreme catch, given how fast the ball was travelling after the batter smacked it.

See Also: Shubman Gill to become India's new vice-captain for upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in UAE? Reports drop bombshell

It has been a dodgy performance with the bat for the home side, who, despite losing all the wickets, raced their way to 178. Apart from Tim David, no one was able to firmly stand at the crease. Mitchell Marsh, the Aussie leader, started the innings with a six on the very first ball of the innings.

Watch: Spectator holds one-handed catch in crowd during AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Australia, even after their powerful start with the bat, kept losing wickets regularly. Cameron Green nailed 35 runs in just 13 balls at a strike rate of nearly 270, with the help of four boundaries and three sixes. But the standout performer of the 2021 World Cup champions was David, who ended with 83 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 160.

CALL IT - BEST CROWD CATCH OF THE YEAR AND IT'S ONLY AUGUST!

Two cans in one hand, Kookaburra in the other. #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/ZsIlhXEg3k

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 10, 2025

Thanks to the small contributions from the lower order, the home side reached 178 in their 20 overs. The left-arm pacer, Kwena Maphaka, ended with superb figures of 4/20 in his four overs at an economy rate of five, while Kagiso Rabada ended with 2/29 in four overs.

Australia would look to balance the aggression and defense as they build their team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. On a small ground and with helping conditions with the bat, it was not a positive score from the side.