Australia vs South Africa 3rd T20 2025, you’re not alone—this decider was a nail-biter that had us all on the edge! Played on August 16, 2025, at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, Australia chased down 173 with 2 wickets in hand and 1 ball to spare, clinching a 2-1 series victory. Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 62* stole the show, while Dewald Brevis’ fiery 53 kept South Africa in the hunt. As a cricket fanatic and SEO-savvy writer who’s been crafting top-tier content for years, I’m here to relive this epic clash in a casual, fan-to-fan chat. Let’s break down the Australia vs South Africa 3rd T20 2025 with all the details, optimized for that perfect Rank Math and Yoast score!
Match Overview: A Dewy Thriller in Cairns
Australia elected to field after winning the toss, banking on their bowlers to restrict South Africa. SA posted 172/7 in 20 overs, with Brevis’ explosive half-century lighting up the innings. But Australia, despite early wobbles and a tense finish, chased it down at 173/8 in 19.5 overs. The Australia vs South Africa 3rd T20 2025 was a night game, with dew playing a role in the chase, making the ball slippery for SA’s bowlers. This win marked Australia’s first bilateral T20I series decider victory in their last seven—undefeated streak intact!
The series ended 2-1 to Australia, a boost for them ahead of bigger tournaments. Key stat: This was SA’s third straight T20I final loss in the last over
Related Read: Recap the Australia vs South Africa 2nd T20 2025 for the series buildup!
South Africa Innings: Brevis’ Blitz Sets a Competitive Total
South Africa started slowly but accelerated, thanks to Brevis’ fireworks. After Aiden Markram (1) fell early to Josh Hazlewood, Ryan Rickelton (13) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (24) steadied. Brevis then unleashed, smashing 53 off 26 (1 four, 6 sixes) in a 61-run stand with Tristan Stubbs (25). Heinrich van der Dussen (38*) anchored the finish, with Corbin Bosch (1) and Senuran Muthusamy (9) adding late runs. Extras: 4.
Nathan Ellis (3-37) was Australia’s star bowler, with Adam Zampa (2-24) and Hazlewood (2-30) chipping in.
Fall of Wickets Table:
| Wicket | Score | Batter | Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Markram | 0.5 |
| 2 | 32 | Pretorius | 4.2 |
| 3 | 49 | Rickelton | 6.5 |
| 4 | 110 | Brevis | 11.4 |
| 5 | 137 | Stubbs | 15.4 |
| 6 | 138 | Bosch | 16.2 |
| 7 | 165 | Muthusamy | 19.2 |
External Link: Full South Africa scorecard on ESPNcricinfo.
Australia Innings: Maxwell’s Heroics Amid Drama
Chasing 173, Australia lost early wickets but Maxwell’s unbeaten 62 off 36 (details not fully listed, but crucial in the chase) turned the tide. Mitchell Marsh smashed 54 off 37 (3 fours, 5 sixes), but Corbin Bosch’s 3-26, including a double-wicket maiden in the 19th over, made it tense. Australia were 88/4 and 122/6, needing dew to help grip. In the final over, Lungi Ngidi defended 9, but Maxwell’s reverse-hit boundary off the penultimate ball sealed it.
Other contributions: Travis Head (19), Josh Inglis (0), Cameron Green (9).
Fall of Wickets Table: (Partial from data; full chase had 8 wickets fall)
LSI Keywords: Australia T20 chase, Glenn Maxwell unbeaten, Corbin Bosch bowling, South Africa pace attack, tense finish.
External Link: Australia innings breakdown on ESPNcricinfo.
Key Performances: Stars of the Decider
- Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 62* off 36—match-winner with boundaries under pressure, Player of the Match.
- Mitchell Marsh (Australia): 54 off 37—captain’s knock with 5 sixes.
- Dewald Brevis (South Africa): 53 off 26—explosive 6 sixes kept SA competitive.
- Corbin Bosch (South Africa): 3-26—double-wicket maiden nearly won it.
- Nathan Ellis (Australia): 3-37—key breakthroughs.
Player of the Match: Glenn Maxwell – Dew masterclass!
