Glenn Maxwell’s Unbeaten Half-Century Secures 2-1 Series Victory

In a heart-stopping finish, Glenn Maxwell’s valiant 62 off 36 balls guided Australia to a two-wickets win over South Africa in the third and final T20 international in Cairns on Saturday. The hosts completed a 2-1 series victory in style, chasing down 173 with one ball to spare at the Cazalys Stadium.

South Africa, put in to bat, overcame a top-order wobble to post a competitive 172 for seven, with Dewald Brevis top-scoring with 53. Brevis, who looked unfazed, hit Aaron Hardie for four sixes in an over, taking his score to a 22-ball fifty. However, Maxwell’s brilliant running catch near the rope dismissed Brevis off Nathan Ellis’ bowling, a crucial turning point in the match. Tristan Stubbs contributed 25, while Rassie van der Dussen made 38 not out down the order.

The South African bowlers, led by Corbin Bosch, who claimed three wickets for 26, kept Australia’s run rate in check, especially in the middle overs. Bosch’s two wickets, including the dismissal of Josh Inglis for a first-ball duck, turned the match on its head, putting pressure on the Australian batsmen.

In Australia’s reply, Captain Mitchell Marsh led the charge, dominating a 66-run opening stand with Travis Head. Marsh, who has been in excellent form, hit 54 off 43 balls, but was dismissed by Corbin Bosch in the 11th over. Head, who was looking to make a big impact, fell in the same over, caught by Aiden Markram off his own bowling.

However, Maxwell, who was unbeaten in the 13th over, took over the reins, guiding Australia to a thrilling victory. He took six from the first four balls of the last over from Lungi Ngidi, and then reverse-swept for four to seal Australia’s dramatic victory.

“It was a little bit nerve-racking,” Maxwell said after being awarded 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.”

The win marked a significant victory for Australia, who had been under pressure after losing the first T20 match. However, they bounced back strongly in the second match, winning by 21 runs. The three-match one-day international series between the sides begins in Cairns on Tuesday, with Australia looking to carry their momentum into the new format.

Key Statistics:

• Australia: 173/2 (19.5 overs)
• South Africa: 172/7 (20 overs)
• Glenn Maxwell: 62 off 36 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes)
• Dewald Brevis: 53 off 22 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes)
• Corbin Bosch: 3/26 (4 overs)
• Mitchell Marsh: 54 off 43 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes)

Player of the Match: Glenn Maxwell