Australia sealed a memorable series victory against South Africa in the third and final T20I at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, with a nail-biting two-wicket triumph. In a game filled with power hitting, momentum swings, and standout individual performances, Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten knock alongside captain Mitchell Marsh’s crucial contribution ensured the hosts chased down South Africa’s fighting total.
The win helped Australia wrap up the three-match T20I series, underlining their depth and composure in pressure situations.
South Africa’s Innings – Brevis Shines Bright
After winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl first, placing early pressure on the Proteas batting order. The visitors managed to post a competitive 172/7 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Dewald Brevis’s electrifying display at the crease.
Brevis, nicknamed “Baby AB,” once again showcased his fearless batting. Smashing 53 runs off just 26 deliveries, he took the attack to the Australian bowlers with clean hitting down the ground and clever placement into the gaps. His innings included blistering boundaries and towering sixes that lifted South Africa from a cautious start to a strong position.
Rassie van der Dussen offered valuable support with a composed 38, steadying the middle order and rotating the strike effectively. Together, the duo built a platform that allowed South Africa to set up for a challenging finish.
However, Australia’s bowlers clawed their way back brilliantly in the second half of the innings. Nathan Ellis was the standout with his clever variations, claiming three wickets at key moments. His ability to mix slower balls with yorkers restricted South Africa from accelerating further in the death overs.
Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring South Africa’s innings never fully took off. Despite Brevis’s fireworks, the visiting side was held to 172/7 – a competitive but slightly below-par total given the pitch conditions and short boundaries at Cazaly’s.
Australia’s Chase – Marsh Leads, Maxwell Finishes
Chasing 173 was never going to be straightforward against South Africa’s disciplined attack. Australia’s innings began with early pressure as wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the hosts struggling for stability.
Captain Mitchell Marsh once again led from the front. The all-rounder crafted a captain’s innings, scoring 54 from 37 deliveries. Marsh combined power with responsibility, keeping the scoreboard ticking and dispatching loose balls to the boundary. His partnerships through the middle overs steadied Australia’s nerves after the early hiccups.
The turning point of the chase, however, came when Glenn Maxwell walked to the crease. Known for his ability to change the game within a few overs, Maxwell lived up to his reputation on the night. He produced an unbeaten 62 off just 36 balls, anchoring the lower order and ensuring the required run rate never spiraled out of control.
Maxwell’s knock was a masterclass in calculated aggression. He picked his bowlers wisely, targeting the spinners with innovative sweeps and reverse hits while punishing the seamers with lofted drives and pulls. Even when wickets tumbled around him, Maxwell’s calm presence guided Australia closer to the target.
The finish was tense, with South Africa sensing an opportunity as Australia slipped to eight wickets down. But Maxwell, holding his nerve under pressure, closed out the chase with a flurry of boundaries, sealing a two-wicket win with deliveries to spare.
Series Takeaways
Australia’s two-wicket victory not only secured the match but also sealed the series. Several key takeaways emerged from the contest:
- South Africa’s Bright Future in Dewald Brevis – The youngster continues to impress with fearless batting, marking himself as a future star for the Proteas. His back-to-back impactful knocks show his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
- Australia’s Bowling Depth – With Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood all contributing, Australia once again proved the strength of their bowling arsenal in T20 cricket. Ellis’s variations, in particular, were a standout.
- Leadership of Mitchell Marsh – Marsh’s composed 54 was pivotal in steering the innings during a tense chase, reaffirming his growing stature as a leader in the shortest format.
- The Maxwell Factor – Few cricketers can alter the course of a game the way Glenn Maxwell does. His unbeaten 62 was not only match-winning but also a reminder of why he remains one of the most dangerous finishers in T20 cricket.
Final Scorecard
South Africa Innings – 172/7 (20 Overs)
- Dewald Brevis – 53 (26)
- Rassie van der Dussen – 38 (26)
- Tristan Stubbs – 25 (23)
- De Pretorius – 24 (15)
Bowling (Australia):
- Nathan Ellis – 4-0-31-3
- Adam Zampa – 4-0-24-2
- Josh Hazlewood – 4-0-30-2
Australia Innings – 173/8 (19.5 Overs)
- Mitchell Marsh (c) – 54 (37)
- Glenn Maxwell – 62* (36)
- Tim David – 17 (9)
- Travis Head – 19 (18)
Bowling (South Africa):
- Kagiso Rabada – 4-0-33-2
- Kwena Maphaka – 3-0-36-2
- Corbin Bosch – 4-1-26-3
Conclusion
In the end, the third T20I at Cazaly’s Stadium lived up to its billing as a high-octane contest between two competitive sides. South Africa’s spirited effort, powered by Brevis, fell just short against an Australian side anchored by Marsh’s leadership and Maxwell’s brilliance.
The victory not only gave Australia the series but also served as a perfect preparation ground for upcoming international challenges. For South Africa, the emergence of young talents like Brevis and the fighting spirit shown throughout the series are positives to build upon.
Australia’s triumph, sealed in front of a buzzing crowd in Cairns, was a reminder of their resilience and star power in the shortest format of the game.
