AUS vs SA : Cameron Green plucks a brilliant catch to dismiss Aiden Markram in 3rd T20I

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The third T20I between Australia and South Africa at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, had the perfect start for the home side. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, the Aussies wasted no time in putting the visitors on the back foot. Within the first seven overs, South Africa’s top order was dismantled, leaving them reeling at 49/3. The big moment came in the opening over itself when Josh Hazlewood removed opposition skipper Aiden Markram with the help of a jaw-dropping catch from Cameron Green at slip.

Fielding at first slip is never easy, especially so early in the game when the ball tends to move off the surface. But Green made it look effortless. On the fifth ball of Hazlewood’s first over, Markram tried to play a back-foot punch off a short-of-length delivery just outside off. Instead of finding the middle of the bat, he got a thick outside edge. The ball flew quickly towards slip, and Green, showing lightning reflexes, reverse-cupped the ball.

What made the catch special was the way the ball initially seemed destined to burst through his hands. Green went two-handed but instinctively adjusted, and the ball stuck into his right palm. His teammates rushed to him in celebration, and the crowd erupted as South Africa lost their captain without scoring. Moments like these often set the tone in T20 cricket, and Green’s effort was one to remember.

Josh Hazlewood strikes with the fifth ball of the game!#AUSvSA

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 16, 2025

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The early setbacks didn’t stop South Africa’s rising star, Dewald Brevis, from lighting up the Cairns evening. Fresh from his sensational century in the previous game, the youngster once again showcased his fearless brand of cricket. Walking in with his team under pressure, Brevis counterattacked from the word go, smashing the Australian bowlers to all corners of the ground.

He reached his half-century in just 22 balls, thrilling the Proteas fans in the stands. Partnering with Tristan Stubbs, he stitched together a crucial 61-run stand for the fourth wicket, giving South Africa some much-needed momentum. His innings of 53 off 26 deliveries featured one crisp boundary and six towering sixes that left the Australian bowlers searching for answers.

But just when he seemed set for another big score, Glenn Maxwell pulled off a smart catch to bring his stay to an end. Brevis walked off to loud applause, having once again reminded everyone of his prodigious talent.

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