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Tim David Credits Maxwell For T20I Series Victory As 'The Big Show' Chases Down Record Total
Follow UsAustralia defeated South Africa in the third T20I by two wickets to clinch the T20I series
Glenn Maxwell shone with the bat for Australia with a splendid 62 off just 36 deliveries in a 173-run chase as he finished off the decider in the three-T20I series with a four on the penultimate ball of the game. He was also selected as the Player of the Match for the 12th time for this knock, which is the most for an Australian batter in men's T20Is.
Maxwell came into bat at number six when Australia were in a bit of trouble after losing four quick wickets post powerplay. At 88/4, they needed someone to stay there till the end and finish off the game, which is exactly what Maxwell did as Australia lost Tim David and Aaron Hardie as well by the 14th over.
Maxwell then batted with Ben Dwarshuis first, and then Adam Zampa, farming the majority of the strike himself, and took Australia to victory with a delivery remaining. This was Australia's highest-ever T20I chase at home.
That ensured that Australia won the competitive three-T20I series 2-1, and David was chosen as the Player of the series. However, while accepting his award, he said that he wouldn’t have been there had Maxwell not played that innings.
“Without Maxi playing a blinder inning tonight, I wouldn't have been standing here,” David said at the post-match presentation.
“There's been contributions from everyone in this series. We've had so much fun, we had a great time playing up in northern Australia. Let's see what happens in the future…We have got so many different people who can contribute, so I'm happy to be part of that at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Maxwell also said that the group Australia has in T20I cricket at the moment is building up brilliantly for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, and he is enjoying playing as the finisher for this side.
“We've had a great run with this T20 group,” Maxwell said.
“To have another series win against a quality opposition in South Africa is great for our confidence heading forward. There are still about 13-14 internationals before the T20 World Cup and we are building something really nice in this group. It's certainly a very fun change room to be in and I am enjoying every moment.”