The Australia vs South Africa 3rd T20I clash on Saturday at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns promised to be a thrilling decider, and it delivered every bit of excitement that cricket fans could hope for. With the series tied 1-1, both teams entered the final match of the three-game T20I series looking to claim the trophy and gain a confidence boost ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Toss and Match Conditions
Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl first, putting South Africa into bat. Choosing to field first proved to be a tactical decision, as Marsh aimed to leverage the dew factor and the batting-friendly conditions under lights in Cairns. SA, led by captain Aiden Markram, had a clear plan to post a competitive total, setting the stage for an intense chase by Australia.
South Africa’s Batting Performance
South Africa managed to post 172/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a masterful innings by young sensation Dewald Brevis. The 21-year-old, often referred to as the “Baby AB,” played a 26-ball 53, demonstrating his trademark power-hitting and ability to score quickly under pressure. Brevis’ innings was crucial in setting a challenging target for the Australians, as wickets kept falling at regular intervals throughout the innings.
Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s spearhead bowler, managed to strike early by dismissing Aaron Hardie, contributing to Australia’s mid-innings wobble. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Proteas’ lower-order efforts ensured they crossed the 170-run mark, setting a competitive target for the hosts.
Read More: Dewald Brevis Lights Up SA vs AUS 3rd T20I with Roof-Clearing Six
Australia’s Chase
Australia began their run chase cautiously but confidently, reaching 52/0 after the powerplay overs. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh provided a steady start, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Glenn Maxwell, once again, played a match-winning role with his all-around brilliance. Maxwell’s aggressive yet calculated approach kept. The South African bowlers on their toes and ensured that Australia remained in the hunt throughout the innings.
Tim David, who had earlier played a match-defining knock of 83 off 52 balls in the first T20I. His earlier heroics and the support from Glenn Maxwell provided Australia with the depth needed to chase tricky totals under pressure.
The game reached its climax in the final overs, with Australia needing just a few runs to seal the victory. Maxwell’s calmness and composure under pressure guided the team past the finish line. Securing a 2-wicket win and the series 2-1.
Series Highlights
- First T20I: Tim David’s explosive 83 helped Australia claim victory.
- Second T20I: Dewald Brevis starred with his power-hitting, taking South Africa to a memorable win.
- Third T20I: Glenn Maxwell’s all-round performance sealed the series for Australia.
The closely fought series highlighted the strengths of both teams. South Africa showcased the talent and promise of their young players like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs. While Australia demonstrated the depth of their experience, with players like Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh leading from the front.
Teams and Key Players
South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs. Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi
Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David. Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Both teams will take key lessons from this series as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. Australia’s batting depth and ability to chase totals under pressure were evident throughout the series. South Africa, on the other hand, can take pride in their youngsters’ performances, particularly the fearless innings of Dewald Brevis.