Glenn Maxwell’s match-winning performance led Australia to a series victory in the third T20I against South Africa. Australia successfully pursued a target of 173, facing adversity at 122/6 in the 14th over before Maxwell’s blistering 62 not out from 36 balls turned the game around. Australia’s innings began with a promising 64-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. Marsh regained his form with a well-paced 50 from 35 deliveries, while Head was dismissed by Markram’s spin. South Africa then took control, taking four wickets in 18 balls. South Africa, despite a competitive total of 173, regretted a slow start with the bat. Dewald Brevis’s explosive half-century, highlighted by four sixes in a single over, and a quick 61-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, provided momentum. However, Adam Zampa’s 2/24 and tight bowling from the Australians in the penultimate over contained the South African innings. With 12 runs required from the final 12 balls, Corbin Bosch bowled an impressive double-wicket maiden. Maxwell, remaining composed, denied singles and played a reverse-hit boundary to finish the chase with one ball remaining. This victory extended Australia’s unbeaten streak in bilateral T20I series to seven. South Africa faced yet another last-over loss in a decisive match, prompting scrutiny of their ability to secure wins in crucial situations.
