Shane Watson marked his comeback from injury with a vital knock as Australia set South Africa 145 runs to win Wednesday night’s Twenty20 clash.

Watson, in his first international appearance for seven months, top-scored with 47 as Australia posted 6-144 from 20 overs at Adelaide Oval.

Watson’s innings, with support from James Faulkner (41 not out), revived the home side in the opening fixture of the three-game T20 series.

The Australians struggled to 4-67 after 10 overs with both their international debutants, Ben Dunk and Nathan Reardon, failing.

Dunk made just two and Reardon four after opening batsmen Aaron Finch (14) and Cameron White (24 from 21 balls) began briskly.

The openers took 27 from the initial three overs before tight bowling and brilliant fielding stifled the Aussies.

White cracked an upper cut only for Farhaan Behardien to snaffle a superb overhead catch at point, while Reardon’s debut dig was spectacularly cut short by Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Reardon attempted to glide a short ball over slips but de Kock, jumping at full stretch, grabbed a thick edge with his right glove.

Watson and Faulkner then provided some impetus with a half-century partnership from 35 deliveries.

But Watson, who clubbed three sixes in his international comeback from ankle and calf injuries, was dismissed in the 18th over.

And Faulkner, renowned for his lusty late hitting in the past, swung hard but couldn’t quite lift the Australians to 150.