Glenn Maxwell led Australia to a nail-biting two-wicket victory against South Africa in the third Twenty20 international in Cairns, completing a 2-1 series sweep.

Australia slipped to 122 for six in the 14th over while chasing South Africa’s 172 for 7. Maxwell then anchored the innings with a calm, unbeaten 62 from just 36 deliveries. His knock included decisive boundaries, with the winning shot coming off the penultimate ball of the match, sparking celebrations in front of the Cairns crowd witnessing its first T20 international.

Earlier, Australia got a promising start with captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head adding 66 runs for the opening stand. Marsh hit a fluent 54, but South Africa’s young pacer Kwena Maphaka changed the game with crucial wickets, leaving Australia vulnerable before Maxwell took over.

South Africa’s innings had also revolved around young sensation Dewald Brevis, who blasted a half-century off 22 balls before falling for 53. Maxwell made amends for a previous drop by making a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Brevis, halting South Africa’s momentum.

Veteran seamer Josh Hazlewood, who returned strongly from a poor performance in the second match, removed South African skipper Aiden Markram early.