The three-match T20I series between Australia and South Africa comes down to a winner-takes-all finale in Cairns on Saturday, August 16. Locked at 1–1, the contest took a dramatic turn in Darwin where South Africa ended Australia’s nine-match winning streak, thanks to a record-breaking unbeaten 125 off 56 balls from Dewald Brevis.
Glenn Maxwell, meanwhile, stands on the verge of becoming the first Australian to achieve the double of 2,500 runs and 50 wickets in T20Is, adding extra intrigue to a high-stakes decider.
Let’s look at the prediction, expected lineups, betting tips, best odds and live scorecard for the series finale.
Head-to-head record: Australia vs. South Africa in T20Is
Australia hold the edge over South Africa in T20Is, winning 18 of the 26 meetings between the sides. South Africa have claimed victory nine times, but recent form and depth in Australia’s squad make the rivalry an uphill battle for the Proteas in recent years.
- Total matches: 27
- Australia wins: 18
- South Africa wins: 9
- Tied/No result: 0
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Tim David (AUS): The powerful middle-order batter has been Australia’s standout performer with the bat, amassing 133 runs in the series. His clean hitting and ability to accelerate in the death overs have been crucial in setting and chasing competitive totals.
Dewald Brevis (SA): The young batting sensation showed his class with his record-breaking 125* in Darwin. His fearless stroke play and ability to dominate world-class bowlers make him South Africa’s key weapon.
Bowlers to watch
Ben Dwarshuis (AUS): The left-arm pacer has led Australia’s bowling attack with 5 wickets, using his variations and change of pace effectively to trouble South Africa’s batters in the middle and death overs.
Kwena Maphaka (SA): The left-arm quick has been South Africa’s most dangerous bowler, taking 7 wickets in the series. His pace, bounce, and accuracy have consistently put Australia under pressure in the powerplay and death overs.
AUS vs. SA betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, Australia enter the 3rd T20I as clear favourites at 1.41, while South Africa are priced at 2.93 despite their emphatic win in Darwin. The odds reflect Australia’s home advantage and overall consistency.
But South Africa’s momentum and Dewald Brevis’ match-winning form make them a genuine threat. Expect a closely fought decider where early wickets and middle-order partnerships could tilt the result either way.
Odds* | |
Australia | 1.41 |
South Africa | 2.93 |
*odds are correct at the time of publishing
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Match to be decided in the final over
- Glenn Maxwell to take at least one wicket
- Dewald Brevis to score 40+ runs
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Australia vs. South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
Australia Team News
Australia will look to bounce back after a disappointing all-round performance in Game 2. Early wickets derailed their chase of 219, and the middle order couldn’t find the required tempo.
The bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa and the pacers, struggled to contain Dewald Brevis. Expect Mitchell Marsh’s side to target fuller lengths and tighter lines in Cairns, with the top order under pressure to set the tone early.
Australia (predicted playing XI): Travis Head, Matthew Short, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
South Africa Team News
South Africa head into the decider with confidence after delivering a near-flawless display in Darwin. Dewald Brevis’ record-breaking 125* and Tristan Stubbs’ support ensured a commanding 218-run total.
Corbin Bosch led the bowling attack with 3/20, backed by strong spells from Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Kwena Maphaka. The Proteas’ sharp fielding and high-intensity approach will be key to sealing the series in Cairns.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Ryan Rickelton, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Aiden Markram (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi
AUS vs. SA live scorecard: 3rd T20I
To follow the action between the Australia vs. South Africa live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted site.
Where to watch AUS vs. SA 3rd T20I in India
- Venue: Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin
- Date & Time (IST): Saturday, August 16, 2:45 PM
- Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: Star Sports Network
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