Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell produced a late batting masterclass to guide Australia to a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa in the series-deciding third T20I at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on Saturday. The win gave Australia a 2-1 triumph in the three-match series.
Chasing 173, Australia were reeling at 122/6 before Maxwell turned the game with an unbeaten 62 off 36 balls. Smashing eight fours and two sixes at a strike-rate of 172, he held his nerve and sealed victory with a boundary off the penultimate delivery — sparking wild celebrations in front of a packed crowd witnessing Cairns’ first-ever men’s T20I.
Marsh leads from the front
Earlier in the chase, skipper Mitchell Marsh (54 off 37) and Travis Head (28) put on a 66-run stand that gave Australia the platform. Marsh’s fluent innings, featuring three fours and five sixes, marked his first T20I half-century in over a year.
South Africa clawed back with three wickets in 13 balls midway through the chase, but Maxwell’s calculated onslaught in the death overs proved decisive.
It was a little bit nerve wracking when we lost those wickets. I probably had to do the majority of the striking, but it was nice to get a couple out of the middle right near the end.
Brevis brilliance lifts South Africa
Sent in to bat, South Africa posted 172/7 with teenage sensation Dewald Brevis hammering 53 off 26 balls. He smashed a four and six towering sixes to pick up from his century in the previous match, and alongside Rassie van der Dussen (38*), looked set to take the Proteas past 200.
However, Brevis’ dismissal off Nathan Ellis for 53 triggered a slowdown. Australia’s bowlers, led by Ellis (3-31) and Adam Zampa (2-24), pulled things back, restricting South Africa to just 64 runs in the final nine overs.
Captain’s praise for Maxwell
Skipper Marsh hailed Maxwell’s brilliance in getting the team home.
Obviously, it’s always nice to win the close ones in T20 cricket, and I’m very thankful that Max got us over the line. He’s a world-class player and so flexible — he’s batted in three different positions in three games. We’re lucky to have him, and he was pure class tonight.
Brief Scores: South Africa 172/7 in 20 overs (Dewald Brevis 53, Rassie van der Dussen 38*; Nathan Ellis 3-31, Adam Zampa 2-24) Australia 173/8 in 19.5 overs (Glenn Maxwell 62*, Mitchell Marsh 54; Corbin Bosch 3-26, Kagiso Rabada 2-32) Result: Australia won by 2 wickets and clinched series 2-1.
