Cairns, August 16 – The Australian Men’s Cricket Team edged out the South Africa National Cricket Team in a nail-biting finish at Cazalys Stadium, winning the SA vs AUS 3rd T20I by 2 wickets to clinch the series 2-1.
Match Summary
- South Africa: 172/7 (20 overs)
- Australia: 173/8 (19.5 overs)
Australia won by 2 wickets
- Player of the Match: Glenn Maxwell (62* off 36)
- Player of the Series: Tim David
South Africa’s Innings
South Africa posted a competitive 172/7 after being asked to bat.
- Dewald Brevis was the standout with a blistering 53 off 26 balls, smashing 6 sixes.
- Rassie van der Dussen anchored the innings with an unbeaten 38, while Ryan Rickelton (13) and Tristan Stubbs (25) chipped in.
- Australia’s bowlers kept things tight, with Nathan Ellis (3/31) and Adam Zampa (2/24) making key breakthroughs.
Australia’s Chase
In reply, Australia’s innings swung like a pendulum.
- Skipper Mitchell Marsh hammered 54 off 37 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes), adding a 66-run stand with Travis Head (19).
- Josh Inglis fell for a first-ball duck, and South Africa fought back with Corbin Bosch’s double-wicket maiden (3/26).
But just when the game tilted towards South Africa, Glenn Maxwell played one of his finest T20 innings.
- The “Big Show” blasted 62 off 36 balls*, holding his nerve as wickets tumbled around him.
- With 10 needed off the final over, Maxwell smashed two fours off Lungi Ngidi, including a trademark reverse scoop to finish the game in style.
Post-Match Reactions
Mitchell Marsh (Australia captain): “Always nice to win the close ones in T20 cricket, very thankful Maxi got us over the line. He is a world-class player and does everything for the team.”
Aiden Markram (South Africa captain): “Good game of cricket, but small margins hurt us. Not enough runs on the board, but we fought hard. Brevis is a special player and there are positives to take from this series.”
Glenn Maxwell (Player of the Match): “It was nervy when we lost a couple of wickets, but I just tried to stay calm and keep most of the strike. To win another series against South Africa is great for our confidence.”
Tim David (Player of the Series): “Without Maxi’s blinder, I wouldn’t be standing here. I just try to keep it simple and enjoy competing.”
Key Stats & Records
- Australia hit 28 sixes in the series compared to South Africa’s 19 (14 by Brevis alone).
- In 2025, Australia have already hit 92 sixes in 8 T20Is – only behind West Indies’ 2023 record pace.
- This was the first-ever T20I at Cazalys Stadium, and fans witnessed a thriller to remember.
Series Result
- Australia win the SA vs AUS T20I series 2-1.
- The action now shifts to the ODI leg, starting in a few days.