Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell produced a heroic batting performance to secure the home T20I series against South Africa with a thrilling victory in the series-decider on Saturday (August 16) night. 

It was the last game of the three-match T20I series, where both the hosts Australia and the visitors South Africa had chances to win the series by winning the match at Cairns. After Australian captain Mitchell Marsh chose to field first, South Africa scored 172/7 (20 overs), and Australia chased down the target in 19.5 overs after losing eight wickets.

Dewald Brevis once again impressed

South African top-order batters once again failed to provide solid starts, but Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs once again rescued the team with a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brevis, who scored a century and recorded South Africa's highest T20I score in the last game, hit his second consecutive T20I 50+ score in the series-decider with his 53 off 26 balls, where the right-handed batter hit one four and six sixes.

[WATCH]: Dewald Brevis storms with 3 consecutive no-look sixes in AUS vs SA 3rd T20I

Earlier, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (24 off 15 balls; five fours) produced some glorious shots before losing his wicket in the crucial moment. While Stubbs scored 25 runs, Rassie van der Dussen stayed till the end of the innings and scored a crucial 38 not out off 26 balls with three fours. 

Among the Australian bowlers, Nathan Ellis (3/31) took three wickets, while Adam Zampa (2/24) and Josh Hazlewood (2/30) got two wickets each.

Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh were heroes for Australia

In reply, captain Mitchell Marsh produced a fiery start, but he wasn't getting strong support from the other end, as the hosts were losing wickets at regular intervals. Captain Marsh scored 54 off 37 balls with three fours and five sixes, while Glenn Maxwell played the other important innings in that successful chase, as there wasn't any more batter in that innings with the score of 20 runs. Player of the Match Maxwell scored 62 not out off 36 balls with eight fours and two sixes, as he snatched the series win on the penultimate delivery of the final over of the match. 

Australia were under pressure in the late moments after Kagiso Rabada took two back-to-back wickets in the 19th over, which was also a maiden over. In the final over, the hosts needed 10 runs to win. Maxwell scored two and a boundary in the first two balls of that over, which was delivered by Lungi Ngidi, and the next two deliveries were dot balls. On the fifth ball of that over, Ngidi delivered a full toss, and Maxwell successfully went for a reverse sweep over the short third for the match-winning four. 

GLENN MAXWELL WINS IT ON THE SECOND LAST BALL!#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/gvrzvyHnGc

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 16, 2025

The former captain of the Australian side, Steve Smith, has shown his excitement for the upcoming five-match Test series against England in the Ashes 2025/26 during the home summer. The veteran reckoned that it would be great fun for both sets of players to show their skills and determination before the hostile crowd. 

England haven’t won a single Ashes Test in their last three trips since winning the urn back in 2011. They were whitewashed in the 2013/14 series. England recently drew their home red-ball series against India, despite being 2-1 up after the third fixture at Lord’s, which they won.

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“I watched a lot of the series against India, and I felt that was the best Test series for a long time, with the cricket played by both teams. So, I think England is a very good side at the moment.” Steve Smith expressed during a recent interview on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Steve Smith throws England new challenge before Ashes 2025/26

Smith has smashed 3417 Test runs in 66 innings against England at an average of 56.02 and a strike rate of 54.75 with the help of 12 centuries and 13 half-centuries at the best score of 239 runs. At home, he has notched up 5015 runs in 100 innings at an average of nearly 60, scoring 19 fifties and 18 centuries.

"Coming down to Australia, particularly for their batters is going to be a big challenge" 🏏

Steve Smith looks ahead to this winter's Ashes 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Ut9dvQj0y3

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 15, 2025

“They play a very aggressive brand of cricket, and coming down to Australia, particularly for the batters, the wickets, in the last three or four years, have been tricky. We have, obviously, got a very experienced bowling line-up who have played for a long time. They have been incredibly successful.” The New South Wales batter shed light during the same interview.  

“So, I am excited for the summer. Hopefully, it will be a great series. I know, the last Ashes was during Covid. So, the Barmy Army couldn’t come. But this atmosphere will be different. We love to play in front of a big and hostile crowd. So, it will be really good fun.” Steve Smith concluded that Australia looks to retain the Ashes with another drawn and won series.

Australian star Glenn Maxwell is seriously focusing on the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will host in February and March 2026, and the all-rounder is looking at an important role for his national team for the next T20 World Cup. 

As the next Men's T20 World Cup will be played in the subcontinent, the spinners will have to play an important role in the tournament. The 36-year-old Glenn Maxwell isn't only an aggressive middle-order batter, but he is also an effective off-spinner. In 123 T20Is, he has taken 49 wickets, while he also recorded 77 wickets in 149 ODIs. In his T20 career, the off-spinner has picked up 194 wickets in 485 games. 

[Watch] Glenn Maxwell takes stunning boundary catch to seal the victory in 1st AUS vs SA T20I

Glenn Maxwell ready to bowl in powerplay in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Off-spinner Maxwell wants to take the powerplay bowling responsibility during the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. In the ongoing home T20I series against South Africa, Maxwell has shown his effectiveness with the ball in hand in the powerplay as he delivered two overs in the powerplays in each of the first two T20Is and picked up one wicket in each of those match, while conceding only 13 runs in two overs of powerplay in each game. 

Maxwell also added that he enjoyed taking wickets, but was also surprised by these successes. He is always present to do his job when his team needs him, including the powerplay bowling.

In the recently concluded West Indies tour, while Australia won the T20I series 5-0, Maxwell opened the innings for the last four matches in the absence of Travis Head. However, in the ongoing home T20I series against South Africa, Maxwell has returned to his familiar middle-order batting. The experienced cricketer has clarified that he is completely ready to bat at any position in the format.

The excitement for the five-match Test series for the Ashes 2025/26 in Australia is increasing day by day. In their last red-ball clash, the Pat Cummins-led side rolled over the West Indies team for 27 runs to gain a 0-3 series victory in the Caribbean. Scott Boland was part of the pink-ball encounter, replacing Nathan Lyon.

The opening game of the Ashes 2025/26 will be at the Optus Stadium in Perth, which will offer pace and bounce for the seamers, with help and assistance for Lyon on the fourth and fifth day. Along with Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Lyon will play a crucial role as Boland revealed the potential bowling line-up.

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“Nathan's one of the best spin bowlers in the world, he can bowl in any conditions. He's been the glue to our bowling line-up over the last few years. Then you'll probably see Green (Cameron Green) coming back (from back surgery) and bowling, so that probably hurts the chances of four quicks as well.” Boland expressed, besides predicting a four-man seam attack.

Scott Boland expects four-man seam attack during Ashes 2025/26

The Victoria pacer has picked up 62 wickets in 27 red-ball innings at an average of under 17 and a strike rate of 36, with the help of two four-wicket and as many five-wicket hauls at the best bowling figures of 6/7 in the innings on debut at the MCG. He felt that he had become a better bowler at the age of 36.

“Even though I'm getting older, I still think my skills are getting better. Even though I'm in the twilight of my career, I'm still learning about what's helping me and what's getting me able to perform at 100 per cent.” The Melbourne-born right-arm pace bowler shed light.

“I've thought about (the 2023 Ashes) a lot since it happened. I still think there were times in England when I bowled pretty well, I just didn't get a wicket. I'm a better bowler than I was back then and (this Ashes) is going to be in conditions I know well.” Scott Boland explained during the interaction that Australia looks to retain the urn.

After a terrific performance during the opening T20I of the first-match series from the home side between Australia and South Africa, the home side looked to repeat the same performance in the second encounter to win the series. But things certainly didn’t go according to their plan as the Proteas used their power to post a huge score on the board at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.

After the top three of the Rainbow Nation struggled to get going, Dewald Brevis took things on his hands as he broke several records and celebrated a fine knock of unbeaten 125 runs in 56 balls at a strike rate of over 220, with the help of 12 boundaries and eight sixes, while Tristan Stubbs smashed 31 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 140. They put 218/7 in their 20 overs. The eyes for Australia were on Tim David in the chase. 

See Also: [WATCH] Dewald Brevis smashes no-look six during AUS vs SA 2nd T20I match

Australia kept losing wickets at the top like in the previous fixture. But Tim David, coming in at number four, didn’t lose hope. He belted the right-arm leg spinner, Nqabayomzi Peter, for a six on the second ball of the seventh over at deep square-leg before putting the final ball of the over on the roof for the same result.

Watch: Tim David smashes Nqabayomzi Peter for roof-top massive six

The home side lost their opening batter, Travis Head, for five runs in eight balls on the last ball of the second over. The left-handed batter swung his willow against Aiden Makram, but he didn’t get the same elevation on the bat and found the fielder at deep mid-wicket for five runs in eight balls.

TIM DAVID FINDS THE ROOF 😱@BKTtires | #PlayoftheDay | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/BVOdu4FeTV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 12, 2025

Cameron Green also went back to the dressing room for nine runs in seven balls. Tim David, on his very first balls of the knock, drilled three back-to-back boundaries. Mitchell Marsh also went back to the pavilion as the focus was only on David.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter celebrated his second successive fifty of the series. After 50 runs in 24 balls with the help of four boundaries and four sixes, the right-handed batter found the extra-cover fielder and went back to the dressing room.

Australia have continued their winning streak in the T20I format after defeating South Africa by 17 runs in the home T20I series opener, where Tim David was the hero for the Aussies with the bat.

Marrara Oval in Darwin hosted its first T20I, which was also the venue's first international cricket match since 2008. After South African captain Aiden Markram chose to field first, Australia scored 178 all out. It was the first time South Africa bowled out Australia in a T20I match. In reply, Proteas were restricted to 161/9. With this victory, hosts Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. It was the ninth straight T20I win for Australia. 

[Watch] RCB Power-Hitter Smashes Enormous 109m Six in AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Tim David rescued Australia from 75/6

Aussie top-order batters' over-aggressive approach little backfired on the hosts as they were batting at 71/4 at the end of the powerplay. Although there were some powerful hits, especially from Cameron Green, who scored 35 off just 13 balls with four fours and three sixes, regular wickets falling put the hosts under pressure. Soon, the hosts were struggling at 75/6. While Australia's 100+ score was a dream at that moment, Tim David kept his cool and produced a memorable T20I knock.

David had a 59-run partnership with Ben Dwarshuis (17) for the seventh wicket and another 30-run partnership with Nathan Ellis for the eighth wicket, where the no.5 batter played the important roles. The right-handed middle-order batter completed his 50 runs in 29 balls, and since then, he regularly worked for boundaries. David was dropped twice, while Tristan Stubbs' drop in the 16th over cost the visitors hugely. 

Before his dismissal in the 19th over, David scored 83 off 52 balls with four fours and eight sixes. Only he and Green managed to reach the 20-run mark in that innings, while captain Mitchell Marsh (12), Ben Dwarshuis (17), and Nathan Ellis (12) were the other to reach the double-digit scores in that innings. 

Among the South African bowlers, Kwena Maphaka took four wickets (4/20), while Kagiso Rabada bagged two wickets (2/29), and spinner Senuran Muthusamy was also very good with the ball (1/24). 

Aussie pacers controlled the game

At the end of the powerplay, South Africa scored 48/3, as Aiden Markram (12), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (14), and Dewald Brevis (2) were dismissed early. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs put up a strong fightback with a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket. But after Stubbs was out for 37 off 27 balls (five fours), Rickelton fought lonely without any support from the other end, and the visitors failed to catch up the required run rate. After scoring 50 runs in 43 balls, Rickelton continued his innings till the last over, when he was dismissed after scoring 71 off 55 balls with seven fours and one six.  

Among the Aussie bowlers, Josh Hazlewood (3/27) and Ben Dwarshuis (3/26) got three wickets each, and Adam Zampa (2/33) picked up two wickets, while Glenn Maxwell (1/29) also took a wicket. 

South Africa and Australia meet each other during the first of the three-game T20I series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, as international cricket returned to the venue after nearly 18 years. The former is coming on the back of the tri-series in Zimbabwe, where they lost the final against New Zealand. On the other hand, Australia earned a 5-0 series victory against the West Indies.

The Rainbow Nation got back their notable players in the side, including Kagiso Rabada, captain Aiden Markram, who took a break from the tri-series after winning the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against the same opposition at Lord’s. The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first on a surface they had no idea of.

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“We are going to have a bowl. Not too much info on this venue, will have a look at it with the ball and then take the game from there. It has been good. We have been here for a week or so, the boys have been out and about, and there are some nice things to do around, and training as well. We are trying to fine-tune a lot of things as we build up to that World Cup.” Markram revealed.

South Africa win the toss and choose to bowl first in AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s captain, revealed that they were excited to be back in playing at this venue, while on the other hand, they chase their on the verge of an eight-match winning streak in the shortest format.

“We were going to have a bowl first. Mainly, we haven't played here as a group, but it (the pitch) does look like a belter. No, I didn't (know they were on an 8-game winning streak). Hopefully, the winning way continues.. We have had a great lead-up as a group and hopefully put on a show for the Darwin crowd.” Marsh claimed.

South Africa’s Playing XI

Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

Australia’s Playing XI

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Two days before the start of the three-match T20I series at home against South Africa, Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, has revealed that the attacking opening batter of the side and the ICC No. 2 ranked T20I batter, Tarvis Head, will remain at the top order plans for them during the upcoming Men’s ICC T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka.

After an exciting 5-0 whitewash against the West Indies last month, the 2021 champions will welcome a few familiar faces against the Proteas as the opening clash begins on August 10. Marsh and Head, who have an outstanding ODI record as openers for Australia, have yet to perform at the opening position in T20Is.

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“It'll be myself and Heady (Travis Head) up the top for the foreseeable future. We've played a lot together, (we've) got a great relationship, so (we'll) start there.” Expressed Marsh, who sits at number three ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup, with the right-handed batter smashing 185 runs in five innings.

Mitchell Marsh locks Australia’s opening pair before home T20I series against South Africa

Since the retirement of the former opening batter, David Warner, Australia has tried and tested various openers, including Glenn Maxwell, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Matthew Short. But with Head’s return, they may look to lock for the sport for the competition next year. He also addressed the batting order of Tim David, who celebrated a 37-ball century during the third T20I against the Caribbean side after an early arrival at the crease.

“We've spoken about it. We saw that in the Caribbean, he came in earlier than he would normally. His skill set is made for that. The more balls he faces, hopefully, the more games he wins us.” Marsh added in Darwin.

The opening game of the series will take place in Marrara Stadium in Darwin, which will also host the second encounter two days later. The action, later, will move to the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on August 16.

Australia’s T20I squad against South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

The former Australia fast bowler, Glenn McGrath, who is a six-time Ashes winner, has made a jaw-dropping prediction on the upcoming five-match Test series between the Arch rivals. He did so during the last series between these two teams in 2023, where the tourists retained the urn after drawing it on a 2-2 margin.

The Ben Stokes-led side, who recently drew another home red-ball series against India after the final fixture defeat at the Kennington Oval in South London, haven’t won an Ashes series since 2015, with two draws and two losses. They haven’t gained victory in an Ashes series down under since 2010-11. Many reckon that this could be the perfect time to change the record.

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“It's very rare for me to make a prediction, isn't it? And I can't make a different one - 5-0. I'm very confident with our team. When you've got Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon firing in their home conditions, it's going to be pretty tough. Plus, that track record England have had, it'd be interesting to see if they can win a Test.” Glenn McGrath expressed on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Glenn McGrath predicts 5-0 victory for Australia during Ashes 2025/26

The former pacer has concerns about the home side’s batting, especially the top three of Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja, none of whom are in good form, while questions have been raised on whether the selectors should consider Sam Konstas at the opening position. He also reckoned that the tourists would need to work on strengthening their bowling attack.

“This series will be a big one for Root. He’s never really done that well in Australia; he's not even got a 100 over there, so he'll be keen to get out there. He's in fine form. Brook's the one that I've enjoyed watching. He just goes out there, plays his game, and takes it on. The Australians will need to get on him pretty early.” The former New South Wales pacer added.

“I love seeing sportspeople go out there and play without fear. That's what Baz is looking to bring into this England team - play without fear. I'd like to see a bit more accountability and the mental side of the game, just them switched on a bit more. It's exciting.” Glenn McGrath concluded as he was in full admiration of England’s aggressive batting style.

Before the home Ashes 2025/26, a few Australian players will get their chance to prove their selection during the two red-ball four-day games in Lucknow this September, as Sam Konstas aims to retain his opening spot this summer. He has been picked in the 14-man squad with other candidates, Nathan McSweeney and teenager Oliver Peake.

However, Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha, and Kurtis Patterson, who featured in the recent A-series against Sri Lanka at home, were excluded. The other opening options with Test experience, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, were not included. These performances for the Australia-A are not expected to tinker with the Ashes 2025/26 selection, but it could prove vital for the next BGT 2027 trip in India.

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“The subcontinent provides many unique challenges and the opportunity to utilize different skills with bat and ball. We hope repeated experiences in these conditions will assist players in developing an effective method and understanding of their game for future sub-continent tours.” George Bailey, the chairman of the selectors, addressed.

Australia picks exciting squad for upcoming men’s Australia A tour of India

Cooper Connolly, the left-arm spinner, will get his valuable subcontinent experience. CA contracted pacers, Lance Morris and Xavier Barlett, were picked in the squad along with wicket-keeper, Josh Philippe. They will play in the four-day games in Lucknow only before returning to Australia for the first Shield round that begins on October 04.

“For many of these players, we remain interested in the development of their short-form cricket as well, but balancing out priorities meant we wanted them back and available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season. This provides opportunities for Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Tanveer Sangha, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, and Callum Vidler, who will play the one-day matches in Kanpur.” Bailey shed light.

Jake Fraser-McGurk was included after losing his place in the national ODI squad and could get a chance to keep wickets. Captains are yet to be announced, with several options available.

Australia A squad for the four-day games

Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott

Australia A squad for one-day fixtures

Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum Vidler