Australia emerged victorious in the final T20I against South Africa, with Glenn Maxwell delivering a crucial match-winning performance that secured the series. Chasing 173, Australia found themselves in a difficult position at 122/6 in the 14th over, but Maxwell’s unbeaten 62 off 36 balls proved decisive. The Australian innings started well, with a 64-run opening stand between Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. Marsh scored a fluent 50 off 35 balls, while Head fell to Markram’s spin. Australia then experienced a collapse in the middle overs. South Africa took four wickets in quick succession. Despite posting a competitive 173, South Africa’s slow start with the bat hampered their efforts. Dewald Brevis played an aggressive innings, scoring a half-century in just 22 balls, including four sixes in an over, and built a 61-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs. Adam Zampa’s bowling and the Australian bowlers’ performance in the penultimate over curbed South Africa’s momentum. In a thrilling finish, with 12 runs needed from the last 12 balls, Corbin Bosch bowled an excellent double-wicket maiden. Maxwell, showing great composure, chose his moments and hit a reverse-hit boundary to complete the chase with one ball to spare. This victory extended Australia’s unbeaten run in bilateral T20I series to seven. For South Africa, it was another instance of failing to win a final, leading to questions about their ability to win in crucial matches.
