But the game swung again. Corbin Bosch delivered a dramatic penultimate over, taking two wickets in two balls and finishing with a double-wicket maiden. Maxwell refused a single off the last delivery to keep strike for the final over. South Africa handed the ball to Lungi Ngidi, who had nine runs to defend.

Ngidi almost pulled it off, but Maxwell stayed calm. He first collected a boundary past deep cover, then turned down a single to keep strike. With four runs needed, he pulled out his trademark reverse hit over short third, sealing victory with one ball to spare. His 62 not out from 36 balls, at a strike rate of 172.22, earned him the title of match-winner once again.

Australia’s dominance continues

The win ensured Australia remained unbeaten in their last seven bilateral T20I series. This was the first of those to go down to a decider, and the team proved their ability under pressure.

South Africa, in contrast, continued their struggle in close finishes. They have now won only one of their last 10 T20I series and have lost three consecutive finals in the last over, dating back to the 2024 T20 World Cup. The latest defeat adds to growing concerns about their inability to finish tight games.

South Africa’s batting struggles

South Africa’s slow start cost them dearly. Their top three failed to score freely, but Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs rescued the innings with a 61-run stand off just 29 balls. Their partnership gave the visitors hope of defending a competitive total.

Despite having Australia on the ropes at 88 for 4 in the 11th over and later at 122 for 6, South Africa could not finish the job. Maxwell’s composure under pressure turned the match in Australia’s favour.

Zampa’s key spell

The Cairns pitch played slower than the Darwin surface, making spin crucial. Adam Zampa made the most of it. Introduced straight after the powerplay, he struck early when Ryan Rickelton misread a googly and top-edged a sweep shot. Later, Tristan Stubbs fell while attempting a conventional sweep, leaving Zampa with superb figures of 2 for 24 in his four overs.

Zampa kept South Africa’s middle order quiet, ensuring the momentum never fully shifted their way.

Brevis shines again, but not for long

Dewald Brevis carried his form from the previous match, where he scored 125 not out. This time, he smashed four sixes in one over off Aaron Hardie and reached his fifty in just 22 balls. His power hitting suggested another big score was coming, but Maxwell cut it short.

Brevis tried to pull a slower short ball from Nathan Ellis, but Maxwell sprinted across from long-on and dived forward to complete a brilliant catch. It was Maxwell’s second stunning grab of the series.

Marsh back in form

Australia’s captain Mitchell Marsh finally found runs after a long wait. He scored his first T20I half-century in 19 innings and led Australia to their first 50-plus opening stand in eight matches.

Marsh attacked from the start, hitting Rabada, Ngidi, and Maphaka for boundaries and sixes. He particularly targeted spinner Senuran Muthusamy, taking 17 runs off his eight deliveries. Marsh reached his fifty off 35 balls, setting the tone for Australia’s chase.

South Africa’s fightback

Australia looked comfortable at 64 without loss in the 7th over when Aiden Markram brought himself on. That decision sparked a collapse. Travis Head top-edged a sweep, Bosch bowled Josh Inglis for a duck, and Kwena Maphaka removed Marsh and Cameron Green in the deep.

In just 18 balls, Australia slipped from 64 for 0 to 86 for 4, giving South Africa renewed belief.

Maxwell vs Rabada: the turning point

With 27 runs needed from three overs, Rabada bowled his final over against Maxwell. It proved decisive. His first ball was a no-ball for height, and Maxwell smashed the free hit for six. He followed it with another boundary over short third and then brought up his fifty with a single.

Rabada conceded 15 runs in that over, swinging momentum back to Australia. From that point, Maxwell looked certain to finish the chase, and he did so in style.

Brief Scorecard