Credit: Cricket Austrralia
In the third T20 International (T20I) between Australia and South Africa played at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, the former’s veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell did a phenomenal job with his bat. Winning the toss, Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh elected to bowl first. Riding on the courageous batting performances from Dewald Brevis (unbeaten 53 off 26) and Rassie van de Dussen (unbeaten38 off 26), the Protea side posted a competitive total of 172/7 in their 20 overs. Nathan Ellis picked up 3/31 figures in his four-over spell and emerged as the most effective bowler for the Aussie side.
Pursuing the target, Australia saw themselves under pressure after losing four batters at a score of 88. In the crunch situation, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David built a 32-run stand off just 14 balls for the fifth wicket. David departed after scoring a quick 19 off seven balls but Maxwell stood at the crease and took the Proteas’ bowling attack to the cleaners. With the hosts reeling at a total of 122/6, Maxwell stepped up and took the responsibility to help his side cross the line.
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Glenn Maxwell held his nerves and took Australia home to series win
With Australia requiring 27 off 18, Maxwell launches an onslaught against South Africa’s premier pacer Kagiso Rabada. Against the speedster, the 36-year-old collected 13 runs from his bat while two runs came from Ben Dwarshius’ and one one more came through an extra.
However, the momentum again went back to South Africa when Corbin Bosch bowled an economical over in which Australia could collect only two runs apart from losing wickets of Ben Dwarshius and Nathan Ellis in back-to-back deliveries. With 10 needed to win off the last over, Maxwell stepped up and showcased his courageous side against Lungi Ngidi.
He smashed two crucial boundaries against the pacer and took Australia home by two wickets in hand and one ball to spare. Maxwell walked back to the dugout with an unbeaten 62 off 36. His innings was studded with 10 boundaries (eight fours and two maximums). He also became the player of the match for his batting brilliance.
