Top ten T20 matches of all time: Part 1

South Africa vs. Australia, 2006

The rivals went head to head in the new format to delight the audiences in a high-scoring contest that ended with Australia falling just two runs short of SA’s total of 201 runs.

The match established a template of playing the format as there was no mindless hitting, but maximization of runs through elegant cricketing shots and witty innovation. Graeme Smith anchored the innings, facing almost half the deliveries for a magnificent innings of 89 runs. He was well complemented by Herschelle Gibbs, who scored a half-century.

Australia wobbled early in their chase apart from a Simon Katich blitzkrieg, but Brad Hogg and Brett Lee emerged unlikely heroes as they scored some quick runs. Brett Lee hit Mkhaya Ntini for a six off the last ball, but still failed to meet the target as South Africa won the match by two runs.