Agar takes hat trick for Australia in T20 vs South Africa

Spin bowler Ashton Agar has taken a hat trick for Australia against South Africa in his first over of the series-opening Twenty20.

Agar's three wickets came off his fourth, fifth and sixth deliveries as Australia had South Africa struggling badly at 44-7. Australia made 196-6.

Agar's hat trick is the 13th in T20 internationals and he's the second Australian to do it in T20s. Former fast bowler Brett Lee was the first man in T20s in 2007.

Australia's bowler Ashton Agar celebrates with teammates after dismissing South Africa's batsman Dale Steyn during the 1st T20 cricket match between South Africa and Australia at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)

Agar's wickets on Friday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg were Faf du Plessis, caught on the cover boundary, Andile Phehlukwayo lbw, and Dale Steyn caught at slip by Australia captain Aaron Finch.

The game is Australia's first in South Africa since the ball-tampering scandal during a test series in 2018.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and fellow batsman David Warner, who were banned for 12 months for their roles in that tampering plot two years ago, are both playing in this game.

Australia's bowler Ashton Agar celebrates after dismissing South Africa's batsman Dale Steyn during the 1st T20 cricket match between South Africa and Australia at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)

Warner was out for 4 on the second ball of the match. Smith made 45 to top score for the Aussies.

More AP cricket: https://apnews.com/Cricket and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Australia's batsman David Warner leaves the field after being dismissed by South Africa's bowler Dale Steyn for 4 runs during the 1st T20 cricket match between South Africa and the Australia at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)

Australia's bowler Pat Cummins, left, celebrates with teammates David Warner, middle, and captain Aaron Finch after dismissing South Africa's batsman David Miller during the 1st T20 cricket match between South Africa and Australia at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)

Australia's Steven Smith leaves the field after being dismissed by South Africa's bowler Tabraiz Shamsi during the 1st T20 cricket match between South Africa and Australia at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)