Australia and South Africa have commenced a Twenty20 International (T20I) series in Darwin, marking the return of international cricket to the city. South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. Australia's captain has returned from injury, providing a boost to the team ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Travis Head has been included to strengthen Australia's batting lineup, while South Africa will rely on Kagiso Rabada. The series is part of a schedule of 20 T20Is before South Africa's participation in the T20 World Cup, although the future of players like Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi in the team remains uncertain. The first ball of the series was hit for a six by Mitchell Marsh, setting an aggressive tone for the match.