Maxwell’s Unbeaten 62 Guides Australia to Series Win in Tense T20I Decider Against South Africa
Glenn Maxwell delivered a match-winning performance in the third T20I at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, steering Australia to a nail-biting victory over South Africa and sealing the three-match series 2-1 on Saturday, August 16.
Chasing a competitive target of 173, Maxwell anchored the innings with a scintillating unbeaten 62 off just 36 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes. His calm under pressure ensured Australia crossed the finish line on the penultimate ball of the match. For his efforts, Maxwell was named Player of the Match.
Captain Mitchell Marsh also played a pivotal role in the chase, hammering 54 off 37 deliveries, including three fours and five sixes, providing momentum in the middle overs.
Earlier in the day, South Africa posted 172/7, powered by a blistering innings from Dewald Brevis. The young batter continued his strong form, smashing 53 off 26 balls, including four consecutive sixes off Aaron Hardie to bring up a rapid half-century from just 22 deliveries.
Brevis shared a valuable 61-run stand with Tristan Stubbs (25 off 23) before being dismissed by Nathan Ellis, who was Australia’s standout bowler with figures of 3/31. Rassie van der Dussen contributed an unbeaten 38 off 26 balls to guide South Africa to a competitive total.
With the T20I series now concluded, Australia and South Africa will turn their attention to a three-match ODI series starting August 19.
