Cairns, August 16, 2025 — Glenn Maxwell delivered a match-winning knock as Australia edged South Africa by two wickets in a thrilling final T20I at Cazalys Stadium, clinching the three-match series 2-1.
Chasing 173, Maxwell held his nerve with an unbeaten 62 off 36 balls, steering the hosts home with just one ball to spare. The all-rounder struck six from the first four deliveries of the final over, before sealing victory in trademark fashion with a reverse sweep to the boundary off Lungi Ngidi.
“It was a little bit nerve-racking. I probably had to do most of the striking, but it was nice to get a couple out of the middle right near the end,” said Maxwell, who was named Player of the Match.
South Africa’s innings
Put in to bat, South Africa recovered from a shaky start to post 172/7. Dewald Brevis led the charge with a blistering 53 off 26 balls, including four sixes in a single over from Aaron Hardie. His innings, however, ended after Maxwell took a superb running catch near the rope off Nathan Ellis (3/31).
Rassie van der Dussen added an unbeaten 38, while Tristan Stubbs contributed 25, giving the visitors a competitive total.
Australia’s chase
Skipper Mitchell Marsh (54) anchored the early stages, sharing a 66-run opening stand with Travis Head (19). But South Africa hit back as Corbin Bosch (3/26) and teenager Kwena Maphaka produced vital breakthroughs, while Kagiso Rabada (2/30) kept the pressure on.
Australia slipped to 141/7, but Maxwell’s calm presence ensured the hosts crossed the line in a nail-biting finish.
What’s next
With the T20 series secured, both teams will now turn their attention to the three-match ODI series, beginning Tuesday in Cairns.
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