Glenn Maxwell delivered a match-winning performance with a blistering unbeaten half-century as Australia edged South Africa by two wickets in a thrilling final T20I to seal a 2-1 series victory in Cairns on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 173, Maxwell remained unbeaten on 62 off 36 balls, guiding Australia to victory with just one ball to spare at Cazalys Stadium. His calm under pressure proved decisive in a tense finish after Australia found themselves needing 10 runs off the final over.
South African pacer Corbin Bosch (3-26) had threatened to derail the chase with two wickets in the 19th over, limiting Maxwell’s access to the strike. But the experienced all-rounder took control in the final over from Lungi Ngidi, scoring six off the first four deliveries before reverse-sweeping a boundary to clinch the win.
“It was a little bit nerve-wracking,” said Maxwell, who was named Player of the Match. “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.”
Earlier, South Africa posted a competitive 172-7 after being asked to bat first. Despite losing three early wickets for 49 inside seven overs, young star Dewald Brevis counterattacked with a dynamic 53 off 25 balls, including four sixes in one over off Aaron Hardie. His fiery innings was cut short by a superb running catch from Maxwell, off the bowling of Nathan Ellis (3-31).
Rassie van der Dussen anchored the innings with an unbeaten 38, while Tristan Stubbs chipped in with 25. However, the visitors couldn’t push past the 175-mark.
Australia began their reply strongly, thanks to captain Mitchell Marsh’s 54 in a 66-run opening stand with Travis Head (19). South Africa missed two key chances during the powerplay, with Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram dropping return catches off Marsh and Head respectively. Head was eventually dismissed by Markram, while Bosch bowled Josh Inglis for a golden duck.
South Africa’s teenage quick Kwena Maphaka then turned the tide with two wickets in one over, removing both Marsh and Cameron Green. Rabada further tightened the contest with a double strike, dismissing Tim David and Hardie.
But Maxwell’s composure under pressure saw Australia home in a nail-biting finish.
The focus now shifts to the three-match One Day International (ODI) series between the two sides, starting Tuesday in Cairns.
