Glenn Maxwell’s Heroics Seal Thrilling Win for Australia in T20I Series Decider Against South Africa
Cairns, August 16, 2025 – Glenn Maxwell once again lived up to his reputation as Australia’s “Big Show,” smashing an unbeaten 62 off 36 balls to guide his side to a nail-biting two-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I. The win, sealed with just one ball remaining, handed Australia the series 2-1 and extended their unbeaten streak in bilateral T20I series to seven.
Chasing 173 for victory, Australia stumbled to 122 for 6 in the 14th over, before Maxwell kept his composure to take them across the line. Earlier, captain Mitchell Marsh struck a fluent 54 runs, laying the foundation with Australia’s first 50-run opening stand in eight games.
South Africa, powered by Dewald Brevis’s explosive 53 off 22 balls, had posted 172 for 7. His blistering knock included six towering sixes, but the Proteas’ inability to finish strong once again cost them dearly.
Maxwell Holds Nerve in Tense Finish
Australia needed 12 runs from the final two overs, but the drama escalated when Corbin Bosch (3-26) bowled a stunning double-wicket maiden in the 19th over, leaving South Africa with a glimmer of hope. With nine runs required off the last six deliveries, Lungi Nidi was handed the ball.
Maxwell, refusing to panic, unleashed his full range of strokes—smashing boundaries to deep cover and finally a trademark reverse shot over short third man to seal the game with one ball to spare.
South Africa’s Ongoing Struggles in Close Finishes
Despite flashes of brilliance, South Africa’s inability to close out tight games continues. They have now lost three finals in the last over, including last month’s tri-series final against New Zealand and the 2024 T20 World Cup knockout. In their last 10 T20I series, the Proteas have managed just one win.
Key Highlights of the Match
Australia 173/8 (19.5 overs): Glenn Maxwell 62* (36), Mitchell Marsh 54 (35); Corbin Bosch 3/26, Nathan Ellis 3/31.
South Africa 172/7 (20 overs): Dewald Brevis 53 (22), Tristan Stubbs 31 (18); Adam Zampa 2/24.
Result: Australia won by 2 wickets and clinched the T20I series 2-1.
Spin and Pace Battles
On a slower Cairns wicket, Adam Zampa (2/24) played a crucial role in stalling South Africa’s innings, removing key batters with clever variations. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis dismissed Brevis at a critical moment, with Maxwell himself taking a stunning diving catch at long-on.
Marsh’s return to form was another positive for Australia, as the skipper registered his first T20I fifty in 19 innings, attacking both pace and spin.
Australia Flying, South Africa Searching
While Australia celebrated another series triumph at home, South Africa were left ruing missed opportunities. Their bowlers sparked a mid-innings collapse—Australia lost four wickets for 22 runs—but could not finish the job.
Maxwell’s calm yet explosive finishing touch ensured the hosts notched their highest successful T20I chase at home, underlining their depth and resilience.