Sangha shines on debut as Australia cruise past South Africa

South Africa v Australia, Scorecard

Sangha was a surprise selection in Australia's preliminary squad for the 13th edition of the World Cup in India later this year and the leg-spinner displayed some match-winning qualities as he collected the superb figures of 4/31 in the opening match of the three-game series against the Proteas.

It was a dream debut for Sangha, who picked up the vital wickets of Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen as Australia registered a comprehensive 111-run victory.

Sangha only received a late call-up to Australia's XI when first-choice spinner Adam Zampa was struck down with illness on the morning of the match and the 21-year-old put in a performance that will put him in the mix to make his side's final squad of 15 players for the World Cup.

Australia captain Mitch Marsh - who top-scored for the tourists with a quickfire 91 - was full of praise for Sangha and believes the right-armer has a long and prosperous international career ahead.

"He's a fantastic young talent. To come in and do that, he's got great character, and he's going to fit right into international cricket," Marsh said after the win.

Sangha's figures were the best by a Australian male player on debut in more than 18 years, with former pacer Michael Kasprowicz collecting similar figures of 4/29 in the first ever T20I against New Zealand in Auckland in February of 2005.

While Sangha's efforts won the majority of the headlines, Marsh and fellow all-rounder Tim David (64) laid the foundations for the victory with a 97-run stand in quick time that allowed Australia post a massive score of 226/6 from their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Reeza Hendricks (56) played a lone hand in reply for the Proteas with a stylish half-century, but some impressive new-ball bowling from Marcus Stoinis (3/18) and debutant Spencer Johnson (2/33) and Sangha's blistering spell during the middle overs ensured a big win for Australia.

It was the perfect way for Marsh to commence his reign as Australia's T20 captain and the in-form all-rounder was happy to contribute some runs and claim the Player of the Match award in the process.

"It's always nice to start a three-match series with a win, and my job is to score runs, so it was nice to get a couple," Marsh said.

"I thought Tim David was fantastic, the way he batted took the pressure off me.

"It was a really good partnership, and he batted beautifully."

The next match in the series is again in Durban on Friday, with the series then concluding at the same venue on September 3.