AUS vs SA 2025, 3rd T20I Review: Maxwell’s reverse scoops a win for hosts in decider

Australia defeated South Africa in a thrilling final-over finish, clinching the three-match T20I series 2-1 at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns. With the series level at 1-1, the hosts skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl, making three changes to the playing XI, while the tourists too made one adjustment, bringing in Senuran Muthusamy over Nqabayomzi Peter.

The Proteas' innings began cautiously, with skipper Aiden Markram dismissed for just one by Josh Hazlewood, and Ryan Rickelton falling for 13. Lhuan-dre Pretorius provided some stability with 24 before being caught. Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs then formed the fourth-wicket partnership, with the younger of the two producing a spectacular display of power hitting. He smashed six sixes in his 53-run innings off just 26 balls, including four ferocious sixes in an over off Aaron Hardie, before falling to Nathan Ellis, caught brilliantly by Glenn Maxwell.

Stubbs contributed 25, while Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 38 off 26 balls, guiding South Africa to a competitive total of 172 for 7. Ellis finished with figures of 3/31, while Hazlewood and Adam Zampa claimed a couple of wickets each to their names.

Coming to the Australian chase, it began quite positively, with Marsh and Travis Head taking the score to 66 without loss in seven overs. However, quick wickets soon slowed the momentum. Marsh top-scored with 54 off 37 balls, while Maxwell anchored the innings amidst regular losses at the other end. Needing 12 runs from the last two overs, Corbin Bosch claimed two wickets in the penultimate over, pushing the contest to a nail-biting final over with 10 required.

Maxwell rose to the occasion, hitting a boundary off the second ball and finishing the innings with a reverse-scoop six off Lungi Ngidi, sealing victory with two wickets and one ball to spare. Bosch took three wickets for South Africa, while Rabada and Maphaka took two each. Maxwell was named Player of the Match, and Tim David was adjudged Player of the Series.

Both teams now turn their focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series, with the first match scheduled on August 19 at the same venue as this.