Glenn Maxwell delivered a match-winning knock and guided Australia to victory in a third and final T20I against South Africa to win the series. Chasing a target of 173, Australia seemed to be in deep trouble at 122/6 in the 14th over before Maxwell’s whirlwind unbeaten 62 from 36 balls changed the course of the game.
Australia Collapse After Strong Start
Opener Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head provided Australia with a good platform in the form of a 64-run partnership, their highest opening stand in eight games. Marsh returned to form after a long time with a nicely timed 50 from 35 balls, while Head was dismissed by Markram’s spin as Australia slid during a middle-overs slump. South Africa took four wickets in 18 balls, including a golden duck for Josh Inglis and twin boundary catches off Maphaka, pulling themselves into the game.
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South Africa’s Fightback Not Enough
In spite of piling on a competitive 173, South Africa were left to regret a sluggish opening with the bat. Dewald Brevis set the innings ablaze with a scorching 22-ball half-century, featuring four sixes in an over. He put together a quick 61-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs. But Adam Zampa’s 2/24 and penultimate over bowling by the Aussies contained them. Brevis was eventually removed by a brilliant diving catch off Maxwell.
Bosch Exceeds, Maxwell Triumphs
Requiring 12 from 12, the game turned another corner. Corbin Bosch bowled an incredible double-wicket maiden in the second last over. With nine required off the last, Maxwell kept his composure, denying singles and choosing his moments a reverse-hit boundary among them to complete the chase with one ball to spare.
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Australia Win Series Extending Their Unbeaten Streak
With this victory, Australia stretched their record without a defeat in bilateral T20I series to seven. For South Africa, another final was frittered away their third last-over loss in a deciding match posing new questions about their capability to close games.
