Australia (AUS) and South Africa (SA) will face off in the series decider of their three-match T20I series at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, on Saturday, August 16. The series is finely balanced at 1-1, with both sides showcasing dominant performances in one game each. This winner-takes-all clash promises high-intensity cricket as both teams aim to seal the series.
Match Overview
-
Match: Australia vs South Africa, 3rd T20I, South Africa tour of Australia 2025
-
Venue: Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns
-
Date & Time: Saturday, August 16, 2:45 PM (IST)
-
Live Streaming: JioHotstar & FanCode
In the first T20I at Darwin, Australia claimed a 17-run win, posting 178 before restricting South Africa to 161/9. Tim David’s counter-attacking half-century was the highlight after Australia slipped to 75/6. Ben Dwarshuis’ 3/26 also played a big role in defending the total.
South Africa responded strongly in the second match. Dewald Brevis lit up the night with a stunning century, leading the Proteas to 218/7. Australia’s chase fell short, bowled out for 165 in 17.4 overs, leveling the series.
Team Overviews
Australia
The home side has shown both resilience and vulnerability in this series. Tim David has been their batting star, scoring fifties in both games and topping the series run charts. Captain Mitchell Marsh will be key in stabilizing the batting, while Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green add firepower in the middle order. Ben Dwarshuis has led the bowling attack brilliantly, supported by Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.
South Africa
The Proteas will take plenty of confidence from their dominant win in the second T20I. Dewald Brevis’ explosive century showed why he is considered one of the most dangerous young talents in world cricket. Aiden Markram’s leadership and the bowling depth with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and young Kwena Maphaka give South Africa a well-balanced lineup.
Head-to-Head in T20Is
-
Matches Played: 27
-
Australia Wins: 18
-
South Africa Wins: 09
-
Ties/No Result: 0
-
First-Ever Meeting: January 9, 2006
-
Most Recent Meeting: August 12, 2025
Australia clearly lead the head-to-head, but South Africa’s recent form suggests they can cause an upset.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Alex Carey (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (WK), Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.
Pitch Report – Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns
While the ground hasn’t hosted a men’s T20I before, domestic T20 matches, including Big Bash fixtures, suggest seamers will enjoy early assistance thanks to swing and bounce aided by tropical humidity. As the pitch wears down, batting becomes easier, but spinners could still play a big role in the middle overs. The toss winner is likely to bowl first to exploit early movement.
Key Players to Watch
-
Tim David (Australia): Leading run-scorer in the series (133 runs in 2 innings, strike rate 175).
-
Dewald Brevis (South Africa): Match-winning century in the second T20I.
-
Ben Dwarshuis (Australia): 5 wickets in two matches, including 3/26 in the opener.
-
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): Big-game bowler with pace and accuracy.
Probable Scenarios
If Australia’s top order can fire and avoid early collapses, they will be favorites, given their strong death bowling options. For South Africa, the key will be repeating their batting heroics from the second T20I while keeping Tim David quiet. Early wickets for Rabada and Maphaka could tilt the game in their favor.
Match Prediction
With the series on the line, expect a close contest. Australia’s home advantage and balanced squad give them a slight edge, but South Africa’s momentum from the last game keeps them firmly in the hunt. Prediction: Australia to win a tight match and clinch the series 2-1.