Thunderstorms postponed the start but there was no stopping South Africa claiming a 21-run victory over Australia in their reduced Twenty20 international on the Gold Coast.

Key points: Match shortened to 10 overs each after heavy rain hits south-east Queensland

Match shortened to 10 overs each after heavy rain hits south-east Queensland South Africa posts 6-108, comfortably defends it after Australian batsmen fail to find a rhythm

South Africa posts 6-108, comfortably defends it after Australian batsmen fail to find a rhythm View the full scorecard

After a two-hour rain delay ensured a 10-overs-a-side clash, the Proteas thrashed 6-108 before restricting the battling hosts to 7-87 in the one-off T20 in front of 12,866 fans.

It was the sixth loss in eight T20 internationals for Australia and its fourth in a row.

The mercurial Glenn Maxwell couldn't get Australia over the line despite his best efforts, top scoring with 38.

Earlier he impressed in the field with 1-14 and two catches, including a brilliant juggling effort on the boundary rope to dismiss dangerman, captain Faf du Plessis (27).

Australia began the daunting chase well but lost three wickets in seven balls including the dangerous Chris Lynn (14 off 10 balls), clean bowled by standout Chris Morris (2-12).

First to go was captain Aaron Finch who looked like he was going to enjoy a happy 32nd birthday when he was dropped on five by Andile Phehlukwayo (2-21).

But two balls later Finch was clean bowled by Lungi Ngidi (2-16).

Glenn Maxwell did take an outstanding juggling catch on the boundary rope in a rare highlight for Australia. ( AAP: Dave Hunt )

In his first outing on tour, allrounder Morris made up for lost time by taking two wickets in three balls to have the hosts in trouble at 3-27 after three overs, and the Aussies didn't recover.

The Proteas hit the ground running on Saturday night after the rain delay which dumped 18mm on the venue in two hours, rattling along at 1-43 off three overs.

But with the Proteas cruising at 14 an over Maxwell put on the brakes with his offspin before seamers Andrew Tye (2-18) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-19) maintained the pressure.

The battling Australian team had hoped to gain winning momentum ahead of a three-game T20 series against India and the summer Tests.

Australia needs a confidence boost after the fallout over the ball-tampering scandal, a scathing review and the one-day series loss to the Proteas.

And the hosts would have fancied their chances at the first international cricket match played on the Gold Coast, having won 11 of their 17 T20s against the Proteas, including five of the past six at home.