Australia defeated South Africa in a three-match Twenty20 International series, led by Glenn Maxwell in yet another exciting run chase at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns on Saturday. The all-rounder helped his team chase down 173 on the penultimate ball of the third Twenty20 International, hitting eight fours and two sixes while remaining unbeaten on 62* (36).
Maxwell won Player of the Match for his efforts as Australia won the series 2-1. Captain Mitchell Marsh scored an incredible 54 (37), hitting five sixes and three fours. With Marsh scoring 66 runs for the first wicket with Travis Head (19 off 8) off 48 balls, Australia got off to a fantastic start.
Nevertheless, South Africa was able to claw back in the game through regular blows, with wickets from Corbin Bosh (3/26), Kagiso Rabada (2/32) and Kwena Maphaka (2/36). A couple of tight overs from Bosch, including a double-wicket maiden penultimate over, reduced the equation to ten needed off the final six balls, even though Australia was once again cruising at 142/6 after 16 overs.
Earlier, Dewald Brevis hit his second consecutive fifty-plus score, carrying on from where he left off in the second Twenty20 International. When Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ wicket fell, leaving South Africa at 32/2, Brevis walked to the crease. The youngster quickly settled into the rhythm, hitting Ben Dwarshius for a huge 100-meter six over a deep backward square leg.
After hitting his second six in the over and a boundary against Josh Hazlewood, he advanced into the 20s. Brevis, however, gave Aaron Hardie the toughest treatment as the 22-year-old hammered him for four straight sixes to reach his half-century off 22 balls.
Together with Tristan Stubbs (25 off 23), Brevis scored 61 runs for the fourth wicket off 29 balls, pushing their team’s total over 100. Brevis (53 off 26) was aiming for another century when Nathan Ellis (3/31) saved Australia by surprising him with a slower bouncer that he smashed long on in the direction of Glenn Maxwell.
After his dismissal, Rassie van der Dussen (38 off 26) provided the ideal flourish, guiding South Africa to 172/7 in 20 overs. The two teams will now compete in a three-match ODI series, starting August 19.
