Glenn Maxwell's timely reminder as Aussie masterclass leaves cricket world in awe
South Africa set the Aussies a competitive victory target of 173 after game two centurion Dewald Brevis once again starred for the Proteas with a half century. The power-hitting South African clubbed 53 runs off just 26 balls, with Rassie van der Dussen adding an unbeaten 38 (off 26) as the Proteas reached 7-172 off their 20 overs.
Aussie quick Aaron Hardie felt the brunt of the latest onslaught from Brevis, who clear the ropes six times in his latest heroics for South Africa. Brevis signalled his intent early by pulling Ben Dwarshuis (0-37) onto the Cazalys Stadium roof.
But it was in the 10th over against Hardie when the Proteas batter went into overdrive. Brevis hit four consecutive sixes after starting the over slowly. The first six went over cover and bounced onto the roof and out of the stadium.
His next six went straight down the ground and saw a fan crash into the boundary fence trying to take a catch. The next Hardie delivery was also sent straight down the ground, before the fourth was cut over cover. Brevis took 27 runs from that one Hardie over to leave South Africa well placed at 3-96 after 10 overs and 3-108 after 11.
But his innings came undone after a sensational diving catch from Maxwell in the deep that removed the danger man. Van der Dussen's late cameo ensured it would be a tricky total for the Aussies to chase, despite the visitors being restricted to 62 runs from the final 8.2 overs. Nathan Ellis (3-31) and leg spinner Adam Zampa (2-24) were the pick of the Aussie bowlers.
The home side were cruising in their chase at 2-83 after Travis Head (19) and Josh Inglis both went cheaply. Mitch Marsh's 54 off 37 balls had the Aussies in good shape until disaster struck. Australia lost 4-37 to put the contest firmly back in the balance, with Cameron Green (9), Tim David (17) and Hardie (1) all sent packing after Kwena Maphaka grabbed the prized wicket of Aussie skipper Marsh.
Glenn Maxwell stands tall in match-winning knock for Aussies
But it set the stage for the latest match-winning display from Maxwell, whose recent form raised some questions around his T20 future for Australia. Maxwell already announced his retirement from ODI cricket this year, and made scores of just one and 16 in the first two games, but exploded to life when Australia needed him the most.
Needing 27 runs off the final three overs, a chaotic beamer from paceman Kagiso Rabada gave Maxwell a free hit in the 18th over that proved a major turning point. He belted the free hit for six and whittled the equation down to 12 runs needed from 12 balls, with four wickets in hand.
More drama followed when Corbin Bosch (3-26) dismissed Dwarshuis and Ellis in consecutive deliveries to catapult South Africa back into the clash. Ten runs were needed off the final over, and it became four runs required off the last two balls. But with victory at his fingertips, Maxwell lashed a trademark reverse slog off Lungi Ngidi for four to seal an incredible victory with one ball to spare.
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"It was a little bit nerve wracking," Maxwell said. "We were down to two wickets and I knew I had to do the majority of the striking. It was nice to get a couple out of the middle right near the end.
"We've had a great run with this T20 group, so to have another series win against a quality opposition in South Africa is great for our confidence heading forward. I think there's another 13 or 14 internationals before the T20 World Cup, and we're building something really nicely at the moment in this group."
This man is a big match player😀
— Raja ji 🤹🌉 (@insaan_logic) August 16, 2025
Maxwell the finisher strikes again 💥🇦🇺 What a way to wrap up the series! 🏏
— Ram Avatar (@ramavatar_x) August 16, 2025
AUSTRALIA NEEDED 4 FROM 2 BALLS & MAXWELL PLAYED THIS SHOT TO WIN THE GAME. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/CrYFjZOPBF
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 16, 2025
Maxwell at his best! What a sensational finish to seal the win for Australia 👏🔥🏏
— Sporcaster (@Sporcaster) August 16, 2025
MAXI! What a finish! That's why he's one of the most dangerous players in the game. Great series win for Australia. #AUSvSA
— Tech Sudama🇮🇳 (@SudamaSb) August 16, 2025
with AAP
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