Cairns, August 16, 2025 – Australia clinched a thrilling T20I series win over South Africa, thanks to the brilliance of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh, who combined to deliver a nervy two-wicket victory in the deciding third match. Chasing 173, the Aussies reached the target with just one ball to spare, sealing the series 2-1.
South Africa, invited to bat first, posted 172/7 in their 20 overs. Dewald Brevis once again lit up the contest with a blistering 53 off 26 balls, supported by Rassie van der Dussen’s composed 38 not out. However, their familiar problem at the death restricted them from pushing beyond 180, a total that looked achievable when they were 108/3 in the 11th over. Nathan Ellis took three wickets while Hazlewood and Zampa applied pressure with tidy spells.
In reply, Australia began positively as Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head tore into the new ball, racing to 52 in the Powerplay. Marsh, who had not scored a T20I fifty in 18 months, ended the drought in style, surviving an early chance before making South Africa pay. Yet, after his dismissal at 66/0, the innings wobbled alarmingly, slipping to 120/5.
That is when Maxwell took charge. Entering at 88/4, the Big Show batted with composure and aggression, finishing unbeaten on 62 off 36 deliveries. While wickets kept tumbling around him, Maxwell forged a crucial stand of 41 with Ben Dwarshuis, who contributed just a single run but held his nerve at the other end. South Africa threatened again through Corbin Bosch’s double-strike in the 19th over, but Maxwell stood tall to drag his side across the line.
This triumph marked the seventh bilateral series for Mitchell Marsh as captain and his sixth victory, with only one drawn series against England in 2024. Remarkably, Marsh is yet to lose a T20I bilateral series as skipper. His leadership, alongside Maxwell’s match-winning instinct, bodes well for Australia as they build momentum toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.
At the presentation, Marsh praised his teammate, admitting he was nervous watching Maxwell finish but never doubted his ability. He credited the “world-class” Maxwell for carrying Australia home once more. Meanwhile, South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram lamented the “small margins” that cost his side, despite Brevis’ explosive form.
Tim David, who hammered 150 runs across the series, was named Player of the Series, while Maxwell earned Player of the Match honors. For now, attention shifts to the upcoming ODI series beginning Tuesday in Cairns, where both sides will renew their rivalry.