Australia clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa in the third T20 international in Cairns on Saturday, securing a 2-1 series win. Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 62 off 36 balls guided the hosts to chase down a target of 173 with one ball to spare at Cazalys Stadium.
Needing 10 runs off the final over bowled by Lungi Ngidi, Maxwell struck six from the first four deliveries before reverse-sweeping for four to seal the win. The all-rounder was named player of the match, describing the finish as 'a little bit nerve-racking'.
South Africa, put in to bat, posted 172 for seven after a top-order wobble. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 53 off 22 balls, hitting four sixes in an over off Aaron Hardie, but was dismissed by a brilliant running catch from Maxwell off Nathan Ellis, who finished with three for 31. Tristan Stubbs made 25 and Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 38.
In reply, captain Mitchell Marsh led with 54 in a 66-run opening stand with Travis Head (19). However, Corbin Bosch (3-26) bowled Josh Inglis for a duck, and teenage quick Kwena Maphaka dismissed Marsh and Cameron Green in the same over. Kagiso Rabada then took two wickets in an over, removing Tim David and Hardie, but Maxwell held his nerve to steer Australia home.
The three-match ODI series between the sides begins in Cairns on Tuesday.
