Glenn Maxwell lived up to his “Big Show” reputation with a breathtaking unbeaten 62 off 36 balls to guide Australia to a thrilling last-over victory against South Africa in Cairns. Chasing 173, Australia wobbled at 122 for 6 in the 14th over, but Maxwell’s calm yet explosive finish ensured they got home with just one ball to spare and two wickets in hand — completing their highest successful T20I chase at home.
The victory gave Australia the series decider and extended their unbeaten run in bilateral T20I series to seven. For South Africa, however, it was another heartbreak — their third consecutive defeat in a last-over finish, continuing a worrying trend of faltering under pressure.
Bosch’s Magic Over Sets Up the Drama
South Africa had their chance late in the game when Corbin Bosch produced a stunning double-wicket maiden in the penultimate over, removing Matthew Wade and Nathan Ellis off successive deliveries. That left Maxwell with the task of scoring nine runs in the final over against Lungi Ngidi.
Maxwell refused singles to keep strike and showed nerves of steel. He carved Ngidi over cover for four, then reverse-hoicked him over short third to seal the deal in style.
Zampa, Brevis, and Stubbs Shine in a High-Intensity Contest
Earlier, South Africa posted a competitive 172 thanks to a blistering 61-run stand between Dewald Brevis (50 off 22) and Tristan Stubbs. Brevis, fresh from his unbeaten 125 in the previous match, launched into the Aussie bowlers with six sixes, including 27 runs off an Aaron Hardie over. But his counterattack was halted by Maxwell, who sprinted across the outfield to complete a superb diving catch off Nathan Ellis.
Adam Zampa also played a crucial role, returning figures of 2 for 24. He outfoxed Ryan Rickelton with a googly and bowled Stubbs with a cleverly flighted delivery, breaking South Africa’s momentum.
Marsh’s Return to Form
Australia’s chase began strongly with Mitchell Marsh (54 off 35) leading from the front. The skipper struck Rabada, Ngidi, and Maphaka for towering sixes in his fluent innings, sharing a 64-run opening stand with Travis Head. However, a middle-order collapse saw Australia lose 4 wickets for just 22 runs, bringing South Africa roaring back into the game.
From there, it was left to Maxwell to steer the chase. He struck at a rate of 172, finishing with seven fours and two sixes, underlining his ability to thrive under pressure.
Australia Rise, South Africa Stumble Again
For South Africa, the result will sting. Their bowlers dragged the game to the final ball, but once again they failed to close out a crunch situation — a pattern that has haunted them since last year’s T20 World Cup.
Australia, meanwhile, walk away with yet another series win and the satisfaction of having passed a stern test. With Maxwell back to his best and Marsh rediscovering form, the hosts look well set heading into the next international cycle.
