AUS vs SA 3rd T20I: ‘Big Show’ Glenn Maxwell roars in Cairns as Australia clinch last-over thriller to seal series 2-1 vs South Africa | Cricket News

Glenn Maxwell (Pic credit: CA)

Glenn Maxwell, 62 not out off 36 balls, once again showed why he remains Australia’s ultimate match-winner in white-ball cricket, powering his side to a nerve-wracking two-wicket victory over South Africa in Cairns on Saturday. With this win, Australia sealed the three-match T20I series 2-1 in front of a packed home crowd that witnessed a grandstand finish to the first-ever T20I at the venue.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Chasing 173 on a tricky surface, the game went down to the wire. With four runs needed off two balls, Maxwell produced a moment of magic. Facing a full toss, he unleashed a premeditated reverse scoop that sailed over the infield and trickled to the boundary. The crowd erupted, Maxwell roared in delight, and Adam Zampa sprinted across the field to embrace him in celebration. The dugout rose in unison, acknowledging a vintage display from one of the finest ball-strikers in the game.

The “Big Show” had been written off too many times, but on this night, he silenced doubters with his trademark flair as he guided his team home in style.Scorecard: Australia vs South Africa, 3rd T20IEarlier, captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head steadied the chase with a 66-run stand in eight overs after a slow start. Marsh, who struck 54 off 37 balls with three fours and five sixes, targeted the deep square-leg boundary with telling effect. But South Africa clawed their way back into the contest, picking three wickets in the space of 13 balls around the halfway mark. Just when the visitors sensed an opening, Maxwell took charge to tilt the balance decisively.Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Maxwell credited his calm approach. “Corbin bowled a brilliant over. Nice to get over the line. I just stayed calm, watched the ball, and understood where to find the boundaries. We’ve had a great run with this T20 group. It’s great for our confidence — we’re building something nice,” he said.Tim David, named Player of the Series, was quick to acknowledge Maxwell’s brilliance: “Without Maxi playing a blinder here, I wouldn’t have been standing here. I’m just enjoying going out there and competing. Keeping it simple, not trying too hard. Form comes and goes.”Australia’s recent form in T20Is now makes for imposing reading: series wins over Scotland, Pakistan, West Indies, and South Africa, alongside a drawn series in England. With Maxwell back in full flight, the Aussies look every bit the force heading into a packed white-ball calendar.