Cricholic
Maxwell produced a brilliant unbeaten 62 off 36 balls to lead Australia to a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa in the T20I series decider at Cairns. The home side sealed a 2-1 series triumph, with Maxwell’s calculated aggression proving the difference in a match filled with twists.
Maxwell anchors the chase with heroic finish 🌟
When Australia slipped to 122/6 in pursuit of 173, the pressure was firmly on the hosts. Maxwell, however, thrived under those conditions. Known for his inventive stroke play, he combined composure with audacity to take the chase deep. He targeted Kwena Maphaka with a four and six, then punished Kagiso Rabada with a six and a boundary in the 18th over to raise his 30-ball half-century.
The climax came with 10 needed off the final over. Maxwell coolly collected a couple, pierced point for four, and then finished in signature style with a reverse-hit boundary off Lungi Ngidi. His unbeaten 62 off 36 featured seven fours and three sixes, showcasing why he remains Australia’s go-to finisher in crunch situations.
Maxwell’s support act: Marsh fires early 💥
Before Maxwell took charge, Mitchell Marsh laid the foundation with a fluent 54 off 35 balls. The skipper went after Rabada and Lungi Ngidi with sixes, then punished Muthusamy with two maximums in an over. He reached his half-century with a swept six and looked set to carry the chase before Maphaka dismissed him with a well-directed short ball.
Travis Head added quick runs during the powerplay but was dismissed for 19, while Josh Inglis fell for a golden duck to Corbin Bosch. Cameron Green and Tim David could not contribute much either, and Australia suddenly looked vulnerable. That set the stage for Maxwell’s rescue mission.
Maxwell overshadows Brevis blitz ⚡
Earlier, South Africa’s innings was lit up by Dewald Brevis, who played another jaw-dropping knock. He smashed a 26-ball 53, bringing up his fifty in just 22 deliveries – the fastest by a South African in T20Is, bettering his own record. His assault included four sixes in an over off Aaron Hardie, leaving the Australian bowlers rattled.
However, once Nathan Ellis removed Brevis with a clever slower bouncer, the visitors faltered. From 110/3, they slumped to 138/6, as Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood applied the brakes. Despite a fighting 38 from Rassie van der Dussen* and handy hits from Muthusamy and Rabada, South Africa managed only 172/7, which ultimately proved insufficient against Maxwell’s brilliance.
Maxwell completes the job after bowlers deliver 🎯
Australia’s bowlers deserve credit for restricting South Africa. Nathan Ellis (3/31) struck crucial blows, including the key wicket of Brevis. Adam Zampa (2/24) was economical and effective, while Hazlewood and Hardie chipped in with vital scalps.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch (3/26) impressed with his control under pressure, dismissing Inglis, Dwarshuis, and Ellis. Rabada (2/32) provided breakthroughs with his pace, but the lack of a death-overs finisher proved costly. Maxwell’s fearless stroke play ensured their efforts were overshadowed.
The difference-maker 🌍
This match once again highlighted the value of having a finisher like Maxwell. His ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate decisively tilted the game in Australia’s favor. While Brevis shone brightly for South Africa, Maxwell’s consistency in high-stakes moments made the ultimate difference.
With the win, Australia secured the T20I series 2-1, sending a strong signal ahead of upcoming assignments. For South Africa, the series provided positives in Brevis’ explosive form but also underlined the need for composure in crunch phases.
📊 Brief Scores
- South Africa 172/7 (20 overs): Dewald Brevis 53, Rassie van der Dussen 38*; Nathan Ellis 3-31, Adam Zampa 2-24
- Australia 173/8 (19.5 overs): Glenn Maxwell 62*, Mitchell Marsh 54; Corbin Bosch 3-26, Kagiso Rabada 2-32
🏆 Result: Australia won by 2 wickets, sealing the series 2-1.
