As international cricket returned to Darwin after a 17-year hiatus, it wasn’t just Tim David’s explosive batting that had the crowd buzzing. Local pilot Harry Gill, 26, became an overnight sensation after taking an incredible one-handed catch during the first T20 between Australia and South Africa.

Standing in the crowd with a vodka can in each hand, Gill wasn’t expecting to make headlines. But in the 12th over of Australia’s innings, David launched a flat six into the stands. With remarkable reflexes, Gill caught the ball with his left hand — all while still holding both drinks in his right hand and without spilling a drop.

Quoting Gill, The Age reported him saying: “The lemonade ones are bloody good. I’ve got a bit of a hangover this morning.” He added: “It just stuck. My hand is a bit sore this morning but, yeah, happy with it. My phone is blowing up.”

Though Australia claimed a 17-run win thanks to Tim David’s 83 off 41 balls, it was Gill’s effortless grab that truly lit up the night in Darwin.

Gill’s stunning grab instantly drew comparisons to the iconic 1987 crowd catch by Channel Nine cameraman Tony Fox, who famously caught a six with both hands while smoking a cigarette. But Gill was quick to downplay the comparison: “His is so much cooler, bro,” he said. “I wish I had a durry [cigarette] in my mouth so I could have done that.”

Even a South African player nearby acknowledged the feat, telling Gill it was a “pretty good catch.” Commentator Mark Waugh chimed in, saying: “You just need a smoke and you’d be right at home.”

Tim David and Ben Dwarshuis shine against Proteas

Tim David and Ben Dwarshuis shone as Australia sealed the victory by 17 runs in the opening T20I against South Africa at Marrara Oval, Darwin on Sunday. With one win under its belt, Australia now leads the series 1-0.

After South Africa opted to field, Australia scored a respectable 178 in their 20 overs, with Tim David's impactful fifty and Cameron Green contributing a lightning-fast cameo.

\Australia's top order faltered early, Travis Head fell cheaply, for 2 in the second over, followed by a golden duck from Josh Inglis, but Cameron Green counterpunched with a 35 off 13 balls, injecting momentum into the innings.

Tim David then took over, launching an explosive 83 off 52 balls that included eight massive sixes, lifting Australia from a precarious collapse to a defendable platform.

Despite his onslaught, South African captain Aiden Markram brought his pace attack into the game. Young sensation Kwena Maphaka led the way with four wickets for 20 runs, the best T20I stats for a South African against Australia. While chasing, South Africa lost Markram early for 12 in the first over. Proteas lost three wickets inside the powerplay as Australia kept bowling on tight lines. Rickelton and Stubbs had put a partnership of 72 in 52 balls before Hazlewood bowled a cross-seam delivery to remove Stubbs, for 37 in the 15th over.

Ryan Rickelton's 71 off 43 balls offered resistance, but his scoring rate wasn't enough to overcome the mounting required run rate.

South Africa fell short at 158 for 7, handing Australia a memorable win. Hazlewood and Zampa's crucial contributions with the ball sealed the result.

David was named player of the match for his match-winning knock of 83 off 52 balls.

Brief score: Australia 178/10 ( Tim David 83, Cameron Green 35; Kwena Maphaka 4/20). Vs South Africa 161/9 ( Ryan Rickelton 71, Tristan Stubbs 37; Ben Dwarshuis 3/26). (With inputs from Agencies)