AUS vs SA 2025: Australia vs South Africa, 3rd T20I Match Preview

Australia are set to take on South Africa in the third T20I of the three-match series on Saturday, August 16, at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.

The series began with a thrilling win for the hosts, as Australia defeated the visitors in the opening match. Tim David’s explosive 83 helped set a competitive total, and despite resistance from Ryan Rickelton, Australia clinched the victory by 17 runs.

South Africa bounced back in the second T20I, with 22-year-old Dewald Brevis smashing an unbeaten 125 to take the Proteas to a formidable total. Australian star David tried to turn the game in Australia’s favour, but disciplined bowling from South Africa kept the hosts under check, forcing a decider in the final match of the series.

Match Details

Pitch Report

Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns has yet to host a men’s T20I match, although it has been the venue for domestic T20 fixtures. The pitch typically offers assistance to seamers when the ball is new, with tropical humidity enhancing both swing and bounce. As the match progresses and the pitch wears, batting becomes easier, while spinners can play a crucial role in the middle overs.

Head-to-Head Record

Predicted Playing 11s

Australia

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Alex Carey (WK), Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa

Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi