CAIRNS, August 15, 2025 – Australia and South Africa are gearing up for a blockbuster showdown in the third and final T20I at Cazaly’s Stadium on August 16, 2025.
With the three-match series tied 1-1, the winner will take home bragging rights in what promises to be a fiercely contested decider.
The first T20I went Australia’s way, but South Africa hit back hard in the second. Dewald Brevis stole the spotlight in Darwin with a dazzling maiden T20I century, propelling the Proteas to a commanding 218. Australia’s chase began brightly, but the dismissal of in-form Tim David shifted momentum, and the hosts eventually fell short, ending their impressive nine-match winning streak in the format.
Key absences hurt the Aussies in that game, with Josh Inglis sidelined by flu-like symptoms and Nathan Ellis rested for workload management. Inglis’ return could add much-needed depth to the batting order, which has leaned heavily on David, while star names like Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell have yet to fire. Ellis’ possible comeback would bolster the bowling attack, particularly after Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa struggled in the second T20I, despite Ben Dwarshuis’ standout performances. However, Mitchell Owen’s delayed concussion has ruled him out of both the decider and the ODI series to follow.
For South Africa, the batting unit remains a work in progress. Aside from Brevis, contributions have been sporadic. Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius all have the chance to make a decisive impact in the series finale. With the ball, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have maintained discipline, while young left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka has impressed as the leading wicket-taker, despite taking some punishment in the last outing.
This final clash will also be historic — the first men’s T20I ever staged in Cairns. For South Africa, victory would be especially significant, marking their first multi-game T20I series win over Australia in Australia. Their last such triumph over the Aussies, anywhere, came back in 2009.
The stage is set: will Australia bounce back to defend home soil and extend their dominance, or can South Africa break a 16-year drought and claim a landmark series victory?