Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 62 took Australia to a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa in the third and deciding T20I at Cairns. Chasing 173 to win, Maxwell stayed calm under pressure and his 36-ball knock contained eight fours and two sixes. He was the Player of the Match and the home team won the series 2-1.
Australia had chosen to bowl after Mitchell Marsh won the toss. South Africa posted 172/7, with Dewald Brevis scoring 53 off 26 balls. Rassie van der Dussen made 38 and Tristan Stubbs 25. Nathan Ellis was Australia’s most successful bowler with three wickets, and he was well supported by Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, who took two wickets each.
In reply, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals but Maxwell held the innings together. Captain Marsh gave support with 54 off 37 balls, hittingthree fours and five sixes. South Africa’s Corbin Bosch took three wickets. Kwena Maphaka andKagiso Rabada took two each.
Australia were struggling at 88 for four in the 11th over. They lost two more to slump to 122 for six in the 14th. From there, Maxwell lifted the innings with his first T20I fifty of the year. South Africa even had a double-wicket maiden from Bosch in the 19thover. But Maxwell struck two boundaries under pressure, which included a reverse hit off Lungi Ngidi, to seal Australia’s win with a ball to spare.
Australia batter Tim David was named Player of the Series for his tally of 150 runs. This was Australia’s first T20I win in Cairns and their first series victory since September 2022.
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