 "Glenn Maxwell collected a superb catch to dismiss Dewald Brevis before smashing an unbeaten 62 to guide Australia to a series-clinching win over South Africa. Image: AFP/AP")
Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell higlighted his ability to stand tall and deliver for Australia in crunch games, starring in his team’s thrilling two-wicket victory over South Africa in Cairns on Saturday with his brilliance on the field as well as with the bat.
Maxwell’s first moment of brilliance was when he pulled off a stunning catch at the edge of the wide long on boundary to dismiss the in-form Dewald Brevis, shortly after he brought up his half-century in just 22 deliveries.
Brevis had starred in South Africa’s victory in the previous game with a record 125 not out , and was in the middle of another game-changing knock when it was cut short by the ‘Big Show’, who remains one of the better fielders in the world at 36 years of age.
South Africa could manage 172/7 in the end after being put in to bat by Australia, with Brevis’ dismissal likely resulting in them falling at least 15-20 runs short.
Maxwell’s unbeaten 62 guides Australia home
Maxwell would later smash an unbeaten 62 off just 36 deliveries to steer his team to a thrilling series-clinching victory with a ball to spare.
The Aussies were off to a superb start with a 66-run opening stand between skipper Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, the former also scoring a half-century (54).
The Proteas, however, produced an impressive fightback to reduce Australia to 122/6 in the 14th over. All-rounder Corbin Bosch later made things all the more interesting by striking twice in as many deliveries in the 19th over, signing off with excellent figures of 3/26.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMaxwell, however, maintained his composure and got his team over the line with a couple of fours and a brace, refusing a couple of singles along the way.
Australia’s victory helped them take the three-match series 2-1, with the hosts having won the series opener in Darwin by 17 runs before the Proteas bounced back with a 53-run thrashing just two days later at the same venue.
Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns will also host the first of three ODIs between the two nations that takes place on Tuesday, with Australia and South Africa then shifting base to Mackay for the remaining games of the three-match series.