A clutch performance from Glenn Maxwell when Australia vs South Africa 3rd of the 3-match T20I series was balancing on a thin line. The series decider went to the very last over of the game with Maxwell oozing with confidence.

The experienced all-rounder was under pressure and was not in his prime since the beginning of the series. Still, the team management kept their trust in the match winner, and he again paid off. On the second-to-last ball of today's match, when South Africa needed 2 wickets to win and Australia was in search of 4 more runs to decide the fate of the match and the series as well, Maxwell deposited his all for an orthodox shot, which resulted in a boundary, the much-needed four runs for Australia to win. The home team won the thrilling match by only 2 wickets, chasing a target of 173.

Lungi Ngidi, the South African fast bowler who was in charge of the 20th over of the second innings, tossed a high full toss, slightly on the leg stump. Maxwell, using his anticipation and agility, set himself on the line of delivery and played a ramp shot to guide the ball to claim the winning runs.

Read More: After smashing 488 runs in TNPL 2025, another keeper-batter ready for IPL 2026

South Africa fought equally well

The 36-year-old remained unbeaten for 62 off 36 with eight 4s and a couple of 6s. Skipper Mitchell Marsh, the opener of the team, set the tone for a thrilling win with a well-made 54-run innings against 37 deliveries. 

Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka caused most of the trouble for Australia. But the Aussie got enough firepower to cross the hurdle and win the match, as well as the series by a 2-1 scoreline. 

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

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

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

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.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell stunned fans with an incredible boundary catch during the first T20I against South Africa at Darwin on Sunday, August 10. His athleticism and sharp reflexes were on full display as he leapt and secured a vital wicket in a tense moment of the game.

At that stage, South Africa was chasing 179 to win and needed 21 runs from the final five balls. Ryan Rickelton was at the crease, holding a strong 71 runs and looking to steer his team towards a thrilling victory.

Maxwell’s spectacular catch changed the course of the match, halting the Proteas’ momentum and boosting Australia’s chances of defending their total. The moment highlighted Maxwell’s importance not only with the bat and ball but also as a game-changing fielder who can deliver crucial moments under pressure.

See Also: [Watch] RCB Power-Hitter smashes enormous 109m six in AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Maxwell Took a Stunning Catch:

The opener Ryan Rickelton hit a powerful shot aimed at the long-on area, seemingly a sure six. But Glenn Maxwell made a remarkable catch near the boundary rope, catching the ball while off-balance. He tossed it up in the air, stepped back inside the field, and successfully completed the catch.

The amazing catch was so close that the TV umpire had to review the play multiple times before confirming Ryan Rickelton’s dismissal. This extraordinary effort showcased Maxwell’s athleticism and presence of mind, making it one of the standout moments of the match. Fans were left in awe as the video of Maxwell’s incredible boundary catch quickly went viral.

GLENN MAXWELL DOES IT AGAIN 🤩 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/FQkfbqLzpB

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 10, 2025

Glenn Maxwell’s exceptional catch near the boundary proved to be the turning point as Australia secured a 17-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Earlier, Maxwell had also made a key contribution by catching Tristan Stubbs at first slip, ending a strong 72-run partnership.

He didn’t stop there—he bowled a tight spell, restricting the South African batsmen effectively. Maxwell finished with impressive figures of 1 wicket for 29 runs in his four overs, playing a crucial role in Australia’s win with both bat and ball, as well as in the field.

Maxwell Struggles with the Bat in First Innings:

Before shining with the ball and in the field, Glenn Maxwell faced a tough time with the bat during Australia’s first innings in the T20I series opener against South Africa. Coming in when the team was struggling at 73/5, Maxwell found it hard to settle, barely managing to connect in his first four balls. He lost patience and tried to play an off-stump delivery but mistimed it, resulting in a catch at deep cover.

This marked his 18th consecutive international innings without reaching a half-century. Despite this batting struggle, Maxwell will be eager to bounce back and improve his form in the second T20I against South Africa, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Tuesday, August 12.

Glenn Maxwell, who got the chance to open the batting for Australia during the T20I series against the West Indies, expects him to be back in the lower order when Travis Head returns to the side against South Africa in August as they aim to fix their line-up for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. 

Maxwell was shifted to open for the fourth time in the shortest format. In the first game, he batted at number five, one slot lower than his regular number four position. While opening the batting, he smashed 145* and 66 on the previous occasions. Generally, the plan for Australia to open with him was to attack the spinner, who didn’t play a huge role at the tiny Warner Park.

See Also: England make surprising change to ENG vs IND 5th Test squad at Kennington Oval

‘It's been great fun being at the top, but I'm sure I'm just warming Heady's seat until he comes back. I think the way we're probably going to set up our T20 side heading forward is you've got Travis up the top; you've got Mitch Marsh who is captaining us brilliantly at the moment.’ Maxwell expressed as ESPNcricinfo’s report.

Glenn Maxwell leaks Australia’s batting line-up for T20 World Cup 2026

In the opening two games, the all-rounder bashed 12 off 10 and 20 off seven balls at the Sabina Park in Jamaica before drilling 47 off 18 in St. Kitts. His record at number four is exceptional, with four T20I centuries in that position, with the best performances for him coming in the franchise cricket at number six over the past eight months.

‘They're three pretty big blokes with big reach, and they hit the ball an absolute mile, so it's great to have those guys with that extra bit of power in the middle-order. It's not something we've had an abundance of over the years, and to have that at our disposal at the moment is pretty exciting.’ Maxwell shed light.

He is nearing 37 and three years on from his jaw-dropping effort of the double century against Afghanistan in Mumbai during the ODI World Cup. But he still provides the best fielding performance for the national side as he added, ‘It's something I pride myself on, making sure that I can create opportunities on the boundary line.’

It was such a strange edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) where, despite winning just three games in the group stage of the tournament, the MI New York lifted the trophy of the 2025 season. The 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar got the opportunity to write history for himself and the franchise against two incredible veteran international batters, Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips. 

Coming into the last over of the MLC 2025 final, the pressure was incredible on the young fast bowler, who, however, had the guidance of the two experienced bowlers, Trent Boult in the field and Lasith Malinga from the coaching dugout. The first couple of balls leaked just two singles, which brought calmness to his procedure.

See Also: ‘No one does better than…’- Nasser Hussain Lauds star Indian player during ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord’s

The third delivery of the over saw the batter make a wild swing in the big leg side, but Maxwell missed as the ball rolled onto the wicket-keeper’s hands. On the fourth delivery of the over, the Australian batter couldn’t time the slower ball and found the deep mid-wicket fielder. The final ball of the over went for a boundary, but it didn’t matter to anyone as the MI New York scripted a five-run victory to lift the title.

[WATCH] Rushil Ugarkar bowls superb final over to win MLC 2025 for MI New York

New York came into the game with a four-match losing streak against the Washington Freedom, who won the toss and decided to bowl first. Quinton de Kock smashed a fine 77-run knock in 46 deliveries with the help of six boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of nearly 170. However, none of the other batters could step up in the crisis period. 

22 Year Old Rushil Ugarkar defended 12 runs in the Final over against Maxwell and Phillips. 🔥pic.twitter.com/RIGojIZJiB

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 14, 2025

Later, it was Kunwarjeet Singh, who remained unbeaten on 22 runs in 13 balls, to shoulder the New York side to 180/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Lockie Ferguson finished with a fine spell of 3/21 in his four overs, thanks to an economy rate of 5.2.

Rachin Ravindra was the lone fighter in the chase among the top three with his 70 runs in 41 balls, thanks to a strike rate of 170.73. Jack Edwards drilled 33 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 150. The hope was on Phillips and Maxwell to pull the chase off, but they failed and fell short of the chase by five runs.

Washington Freedom vs MI New York (WAS vs NY) will be played in the MLC 2025 Final on Sunday evening, July 13 (starting at 05:30 on July 14) at Grand Prairie Stadium in Grand Prairie in Dallas.

MLC 2025, Final: WAS vs NY Probable XIs

Washington Freedom Predicted Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Owen, Andries Gous (wk), Glenn Maxwell (Captain), Jack Edwards, Glenn Phillips, Ian Holland, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Netravalkar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Lockie Ferguson

MI New York Predicted Playing XI: Monank Patel, Quinton de Kock (wk), Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Kieron Pollard, Michael Bracewell, Tajinder Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Trent Boult, Tristan Luus, George Linde, Rushil Ugarkar

See Also: MLC 2025, Final: Probable Playing XI for WAS vs NY

MLC 2025, Final: WAS vs NY Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Monank Patel: USA cricketer Monank Patel is the second leading run-scorer in the MLC 2025 with 450 runs in 12 innings with an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 143.31, including four half-centuries. His last five innings were 56, 13, 6, 33, and 49 runs, respectively.

Mitchell Owen: Australian youngster Mitchell Owen has scored 313 runs and taken 14 wickets in 11 matches in the MLC 2025. Apart from two half-centuries, he has recorded one fifer in this season.

Glenn Maxwell: Australian star Glenn Maxwell, the Washington Freedom skipper, has scored 237 runs and also picked up nine wickets in 11 matches in this MLC season. He has recorded one century in this tournament, but also won two Player of the Match awards for his bowling performances. 

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: MI New York captain Nicholas Pooran has scored 339 runs in 12 innings in the MLC 2025 with an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 135.60, including one century and two half-centuries. His last seven innings were 108*, 8, 62*, 30, 12, 1, and 52*

Trent Boult: New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult has taken 13 wickets in 11 matches this MLC season. He has recorded one four-wicket haul this tournament. 

Kieron Pollard: Former Caribbean all-rounder Kieron Pollard has scored 317 runs and also taken six wickets in the MLC 2025. He has recorded two half-centuries in this tournament, and his last five innings were 70, 14*, 50, 5, and 47* runs, respectively. 

Grand Prairie Stadium in Grand Prairie in Dallas will host the MLC 2025 Qualifier, Washington Freedom vs Texas Super Kings (WAS vs TEX), on Tuesday evening, July 8 (starting at 05:30 IST on July 9).  

MLC 2025, Qualifier: WAS vs TEX Probable XIs

MLC 2025, Qualifier: WAS vs TEX Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Faf du Plessis: Former South African cricketer and captain Faf du Plessis is the leading run-scorer in the MLC 2025 with 409 runs in nine matches, with an average of 51.12 and a strike rate of 175.53, including two centuries and two half-centuries. His last six innings' scores were 100, 69, 12, 103*, 1, and 91 runs, respectively. 

Glenn Maxwell: Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell has scored 237 runs and taken nine wickets in 10 matches in the MLC 2025. He recorded one century in this tournament, while his batting strike rate this season is 185.15. In the last two matches, Maxwell won Player of the Match awards for his bowling by recording three wickets in both games. 

Adam Milne: New Zealand pacer Adam Milne has taken 14 wickets in five matches this season, including one fifer and two three-wicket hauls. In the last two fixtures, he recorded one three-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul.  

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Mitchell Owen: Australian cricketer Mitchell Owen is brilliant as an all-rounder in the MLC 2025, as he has scored 313 runs and taken 14 wickets this season. In this MLC season, he recorded two half-centuries and one fifer. His batting strike rate this tournament is 195.62. However, his last four-match performances were not impressive. 

Noor Ahmad: Afghan left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad has taken 14 wickets in 10 matches in the MLC 2025. He has recorded one four-wicket haul and one three-wicket haul in this tournament. 

Jack Edwards: Australian Jack Edwards has taken 13 wickets and also scored 119 runs in 10 matches this MLC season. Apart from one 42 and another 30-run knock, he has recorded two three-wicket hauls this season. 

Match 29: 2025 Major League Cricket – Washington Freedom vs MI New York

Washington Freedom beat MI New York by 6 wickets at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill in Match 29 of the 2025 MLC season. MI New York won the toss and chose to bat first, but they couldn’t get going. Washington’s bowlers were very disciplined and didn’t give away easy runs. MI New York managed only 112 runs for 8 wickets in 18 overs.

Kunwarjeet Singh was their top scorer with 33 from 30 balls. Sunny Patel (16) and Heath Richards (16) added small scores but no big partnerships developed. Glenn Maxwell bowled very well today, took crucial wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs. Glenn Phillips also took 2 wickets in a single over, and Jack Edwards kept it tight with 1 wicket for 14 in 3 overs.

In Chasing 113, Washington Freedom batted confidently and won in 15 overs with 4 wickets down. Wicketkeeper Andries Gous was solid with an unbeaten 46 from 34 balls, making sure the chase stayed on track. Mark Chapman added quick runs with 27 off 18, and Glenn Phillips finished it off with 14 from 11. MI New York’s bowlers tried hard but didn’t have enough runs to defend. Tristan Luus took 2 wickets for 39 runs, while Nosthush Kenjige (1/19) and Fabian Allen (1/20) took a wicket each. It was a strong, all-round performance by Washington Freedom to secure a comfortable win.

ALSO READ: OTD: Birthday of MS Dhoni, who turns myths into reality

Twitter reactions after WF wins 29th match of MLC 2025

Literally had zero hopes with LAKR but they knocked out the best team of the tournament 💥🔥

We are lifting the trophy baby 🏆💛#MLC #MLC2025 pic.twitter.com/wrMtGgl4RF

— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) July 7, 2025

MINY sodhapitan 😒👎

BUT LAKR 😭😭😭 Won it for us 💛
Thanks da mapla 🫂 LAKR 😭

TSK IN Q1 💛

MLC 🏆 we are coming for you 💛🏆🦁 https://t.co/h8IkHz5PBh

— Its_Me_Maxeyyy 💛 (@maxeyyy_tweets) July 7, 2025

Washington Freedom end the league stage on top of the table with a win over MI New York! 💙🔝

Back-to-back Player of the Match awards for skipper Glenn Maxwell! 🎖️#WAFvMINY #MLC2025 #GlennMaxwell #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/C4jHkoCIdQ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) July 7, 2025

MLC Match 29: Maxwell, Gous take Freedom into Top 2 in Table; MI NY Qualify for playoffs
🇺🇸🏆🏏https://t.co/0WEfgKbuFS pic.twitter.com/qLJbsPhoee

— Cricket World (@Cricket_World) July 7, 2025

First MLC season has each team play just 5 games in the league stage, and second season had each team play 7 games.

In that sense, this is the first full fledged MLC season and finishing 2nd is a testament to TSK’s consistency over a longer period of time.

Hopefully we kick on… pic.twitter.com/bbDm0ceRW0

— Vibhor (@Vibhor4CSK) July 7, 2025

Tristan gets another! Maxwell this time 🔥

Keep 'em coming, boys! 🎯

WF - 80/4 (11.3 overs)#OneFamily #MINewYork #MLC #WFvMINY

— MI New York (@MINYCricket) July 6, 2025

MLC 2025 WAF vs MINY Highlights | Washington Freedom Won by 6 Wickets

Read: https://t.co/WfZuzsdDPT#MLC2025 #cricketnews

— Times of Sports (@timesofsports) July 7, 2025

MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET
Match 29

MI New York vs Washington Freedom

WAF won by 6 wickets

MINY 112-8
WAF 113-4

— Sir Haris Rauf 154.7 (@H_RaufAcademy) July 7, 2025

In Match 29 of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, Washington Freedom played against MI New York at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill. The toss was won by MI New York, and they chose to bat first, but their innings never got the pace they required. Washington's bowling was tight and efficient, restricting New York to a modest total. The run chase was then clinically carried out by the Freedom batsmen, and they sealed a comfortable 6-wicket victory.

MI New York Innings

Batting first, MI New York could only muster 112/8 in 18 overs. Kunwarjeet Singh was the highest scorer with 33 off 30 balls, with Sunny Patel (16 off 16) and Heath Richards (16 off 18) chipping in with small contributions. Washington's bowlers, however, did not let any of these partnerships take hold. Skipper Glenn Maxwell was the best bowler with impressive figures of 3/29 in his 4 overs. He was ably supported by Glenn Phillips, who took 2 wickets in an over (2/4 in 1), and Jack Edwards contributed 1/14 off 3 overs.

Washington Freedom Innings

Pursuing a score of 113, Washington Freedom seemed to be in charge right from the beginning and dominated the aggregate in 15 overs, reaching 113/4. Wicketkeeper batter Andries Gous was a solid anchor man with an unbeaten 46 off 34 balls, and Mark Chapman added pace with 27 off 18. Glenn Phillips added 14 off 11 to guide the team home. MI New York bowlers couldn’t do much with such a low total, but Tristan Luus picked up 2/39 in 4 overs, while Nosthush Kenjige (1/19) and Fabian Allen (1/20) also contributed with a wicket each.

See Also: MLC 2025, Match 30: Los Angeles Knight Riders vs San Francisco Unicorns full match highlights

Washington Freedom vs MI New York: Match Scorecard

MI New York – 112/8 (18 Overs)

Washington Freedom – 113/4 (15 Overs)