In one of the most electrifying moments of the international cricket season, Glenn Maxwell delivered what many are hailing as the ‘catch of the season’ to dismiss South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton in the closing stages of the first T20I at Marrara Stadium. The catch not only snatched victory for Australia but instantly went viral, with fans and pundits applauding Maxwell’s unmatched fielding acumen.
Glenn Maxwell creates a magic moment at the boundary
South Africa, chasing Australia’s total of 178, appeared on the brink as Rickelton’s gritty 71 off 55 balls kept the visitors in the game late into the final over. Ben Dwarshuis steamed in, delivering a full-length ball which Rickelton launched towards long-on, seemingly destined for six. But stationed on the boundary, Glenn Maxwell pulled off a gravity-defying leap: catching the ball mid-air, tossing it over his shoulder just before landing past the rope, then gracefully re-entering the field to complete the catch seconds later.
The effort stunned teammates, opponents, and a Darwin crowd gifted international cricket for the first time in 17 years. Maxwell’s instant judgment and athleticism gave Australia a crucial breakthrough, tilting the match in the hosts’ favour in the dying balls of South Africa’s chase.
Here’s the video:
GLENN MAXWELL DOES IT AGAIN 🤩 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/FQkfbqLzpB
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 10, 2025
Also READ: AUS vs SA 2025, T20I Series – TV Channels, Live Streaming details | When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, South Africa, other countries
Australia clinches the T20I series opener against South Africa
Australia’s win was sealed as South Africa finished at 161/9, 17 runs short of the target. Tim David’s explosive 83 from 52 balls proved decisive with bat in hand, supported by shrewd bowling displays from Ben Dwarshuis (3/26) and Josh Hazlewood (3/27).
For South Africa, Rickelton’s near-heroics and a strong 72-run stand with Tristan Stubbs offered hope, but standards in the field—and Maxwell’s brilliance—ultimately decided an edge-of-seat contest. With international cricket back in Darwin and the road to the 2026 T20 World Cup underway, Maxwell’s catch will resonate as one of the defining moments of the Australian summer.
The second T20I of the three-match series takes place at the same venue on August 12, with South Africa tasked to regroup after a comprehensive performance by the Australian bowling unit.
Also READ: Tim David, bowlers shine in Australia’s hard-fought win over South Africa in 1st T20I
