Proteas left to rue dropped catch in first T20 loss

David was let off the hook by Tristan Stubbs on the boundary in the 16th over, and South Africa lived to rue that error as he went on to score a match-winning 83 for the hosts.

Rickleton, who top-scored for the visitors with 71, was encouraged by how they took the game to the Aussies.

"If we took that chance and another chance, we would've been having a different conversation, but the exciting thing is that the Aussies came out with intent, and we were still able to create a lot of chances," explained the opener. 

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Rickelton says they were reminded of the quick nature of T20 cricket when Australia attacked from the word go, having played more of the longer formats of the game in recent months.

Captain Aiden Markram had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl first in Darwin.

"When you haven't played T20 cricket in a while, it has a tendency to catch you off guard, and despite the loss, I thought the guys held their nerve really well."

Another impressive player on the day was young Kwena Maphaka, who took four wickets, including that of David.

Rickelton was the latest to sing the 19-year-old’s praises since the start of his senior international career.

"He is a fiery yet very relaxed cricketer. He backs his ability, and it's great to see a young guy stand up to Australia in their own backyard."