Glenn Maxwell’s explosive 62 off 36 balls powered Australia to a thrilling win over South Africa in Cairns, clinching the three-match T20I series 2-1. The victory also marked Australia’s highest successful T20I chase at home, achieved with just one ball to spare.
South Africa, after a shaky start, posted 172/7 on the board. Skipper Aiden Markram (1), Ryan Rickelton (13), and Lhuan-dré Pretorius (24) fell cheaply, leaving the visitors struggling at 49/3. Rising star Dewald Brevis counterattacked with a stunning 50 off just 22 balls, stitching a vital 61-run stand with Tristan Stubbs. Once that partnership was broken, Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with an unbeaten 38-run cameo. For Australia, Nathan Ellis impressed with figures of 3/31, while Adam Zampa chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Chasing 173, skipper Mitchell Marsh (54) set the tone before falling to youngster Kwena Maphaka. Wickets fell at regular intervals, including the dismissal of Tim David and Maxwell’s partner stand by Kagiso Rabada in the 14th over. Despite the pressure, Maxwell played a lone hand, smashing boundaries at will and keeping the chase alive. He finished unbeaten with a ball to spare and two wickets in hand, guiding Australia home in dramatic fashion.
Maxwell’s 62 (36) earned him the Player of the Match, while his teammate Tim David — who starred throughout the series — was named Player of the Tournament.
With this win, Australia not only sealed the series but also gained valuable momentum heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 build-up.