[Watch] ‘Show some respect to Rabada,’ says commentator; Tim David's response stole the show
The first T20I of the three-match series between South Africa and Australia is currently underway at the Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin. Batting first, Australia had lost six wickets for just 88 runs at the end of the first ten overs but added 90 in the latter half of the innings. They came out with the strategy to send every ball out of the park, but kept losing wickets instead. However, Tim David, once again, came to their rescue and played a stunning knock of 83 runs off 52 deliveries. He hit four fours and eight sixes during his enterprising knock; however, one shot that has attracted eyeballs was the six he hit off Rabada in the fourth over of the innings.
For context, Rabada had taken 2 wickets and given just a single run in his first eight deliveries. As he ran to bowl his next one to Tim David, commentators urged the latter to show Rabada some respect, highlighting his prowess in all formats. The Australian batter danced down the track instead and whacked him for a six, leaving everyone in splits.
The video clip of the incident is going viral on the internet. You can have a look here:
"I think some respect has to be shown."
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 10, 2025
Tim David 😂 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/fY7jTp54gg
Tim David powers Australia to 178 in the first innings
Australian batters seemed pretty clear in how they wanted to approach their innings. Wickets were falling in short intervals, but they continued to bat in a single mode. Travis Head looked to hit Rabada through the offside but was caught. Marsh, who began his innings with a six and a four, also perished in a bid to hit shots one too many. Josh Inglis got out first ball.
Cameron Green and Tim David looked to counter-attack and had added 40 runs in just 16 balls, but Lungi Ngidi didn't allow that partnership to flourish. Wickets kept falling thereafter, but David smashed boundaries at the other end. He kept the strike and denied lower-order batters to take chances. David reached half-century off just 29 balls and went on to score a brilliant 83-run knock, taking Australia to a respectable 178 in the end.
South African pacer Kwena Maphaka was the pick of the bowlers as he delivered a vital spell of 4 for 20 in four overs. South Africa need 179 runs to win the first T20I and take a 1-0 lead.
