Glenn Maxwell has once again anchored Australia through a difficult run chase and lifted his team to a 2-1 T20 series victory over South Africa.
Maxwell was tasked with protecting the lower-order towards the back-end of the innings, at times refusing to rotate the strike.
It came right down to the wire as Australia needed 10 runs to win off Lungi Ngidi's final over. In true "big show" fashion, Maxwell hit all 10, clinching the victory with a reverse-sweep.
"It was another great crowd... the last three games [in Cairns and Darwin], it's been something we haven't experienced in so long," said Maxwell.
"It's been nice to give them some really entertaining cricket."
Whilst Maxwell relished the rare opportunity to bring international cricket to Cairns, he jokingly admitted they were less than forgiving after he put down a difficult catching opportunity that would have dismissed Dewald Brevis.
"There wasn't much sympathy from any of them," said Maxwell.
South Africa batted first, with Brevis leading an attacking innings that hurt the Australians' economy rate.
He hit 53 off 26 balls, which included six sixes. Brevis' innings threatened to take the game away from Australia; however, Nathan Ellis eventually dismissed him with Maxwell executing an outstretched catch in the outfield.
Rassie van der Dussen helped South Africa register 30 runs off the final three overs of their innings
Ellis continued his good form with the ball, claiming figures of 3/31 off his four overs. Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets whilst Adam Zampa was economical, conceding just six runs an over.
All-rounder Aaron Hardie had a difficult night with bat and ball. He conceded 27 runs off a single over, thanks to Brevis. Later, he would only manage to contribute a single run to Australia's chase.
Captain Mitchell Marsh got Australia off to a strong start, chasing down the 173 runs South Africa had set to win.
With Travis Head in support, Australia were 0/52 at the end of the Powerplay.
Marsh was eventually dismissed for 54 runs off 37 balls. However, Australia looked to be in trouble with South Africa picking up four wickets for 22 runs after Marsh's heroics.
Just as Australia appeared to be settling with Maxwell and Tim David at the crease, Kagiso Rabada was brought on in the 14th over, quickly claiming the wickets of David and Hardie.
Nevertheless, Maxwell proved to be too much for the South Africans as he managed the lower order, eventually hitting the winning runs. He ended the night with an undefeated 62 runs off 36 balls.
South Africa delivered strong performances in Darwin and Cairns, but Australia's dominant T20 form ultimately continued as they claimed a 2-1 series win.
Australia will be pleased with the number of players who made positive contributions. Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh impressed with the bat throughout the series. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa delivered solid bowling performances across all three games.
Australia will play a brief three-game T20 tour in New Zealand in October, where they will be hoping to build on their good form ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.
Australia will now face South Africa in a three-game ODI series starting August 19.
