Australia and South Africa step into rare territory on Saturday: a live T20I series decider in Cairns.
For Australia, it is unfamiliar ground; they haven’t played a live decider since 2022, often sealing series early or being denied by rain. South Africa, meanwhile, arrive sharper from a similar experience in Harare last month and buoyed by Dewald Brevis’ destructive hundred in Darwin.
The Cazaly’s Stadium surface adds intrigue, with spin likely to play a part after Matthew Kuhnemann and Adam Zampa found grip in recent outings, leaving selectors to weigh pace depth against extra spin options.
Both sides have questions to answer under pressure. Mitchell Marsh’s returns at the top of the order remain modest, and Glenn Maxwell’s bat has been quiet despite his all-round value, while South Africa continue to search for consistency from captain Aiden Markram.
Kagiso Rabada’s battle with Australia’s power hitters, particularly Marsh and Tim David, could swing the night.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Australia vs. South Africa 3rd T20I live stream, TV channel in Australia
Here’s how to watch this T20I match in Australia:
- TV Channel: Fox Cricket (Channel 501)
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel
This game is available for the live TV broadcast on dedicated cricket channel Fox Cricket. You can also live stream this game on Kayo and Foxtel.
New users to Kayo can currently sign up to a FREE trial.
What time does Australia vs. South Africa 3rd T20I start in Australia?
This T20I match takes place at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, Australia, and starts on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. local time (AEST).
Australia vs. South Africa 3rd T20I predicted XIs, team news
Josh Inglis is set to return at No. 3 after missing the second game with the flu, with Nathan Ellis also likely to come back after being rested.
That reshuffle pushes the order down a spot, while Aaron Hardie may slide into No. 7 with Matt Owen ruled out, giving Australia the flexibility to pair Matthew Kuhnemann with Adam Zampa if they want two spinners.
In that case, two of Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, or Ben Dwarshuis would miss out. And while Dwarshuis has the form, Hazlewood’s seniority could keep him in unless Australia opt to rest their premier quick ahead of a demanding ODI run next week.
Australia predicted XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa, meanwhile, must weigh whether to stick with their winning formula or adjust for Cairns’ spin-friendly conditions.
That could mean George Linde returning at No. 6 as a spinning allrounder, which might require Dewald Brevis or Rassie van der Dussen to shift up the order given Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ modest scores so far.
Senuran Muthusamy offers another left-arm option if the surface demands it, while Nandre Burger provides seam cover should Lungi Ngidi or Corbin Bosch be rotated.
South Africa predicted XI: Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.
South Africa tour of Australia 2025 schedule
All times AEST
T20I Matches
- 1st T20I: Australia won by 17 runs
- 2nd T20I: Aug. 12, Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, 7:15 p.m.
- 3rd T20I: Aug. 16, Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, 7:15 p.m.
ODI Matches
- 1st ODI: Aug. 19, Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, 2:30 p.m.
- 2nd ODI: Aug. 22, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30 p.m.
- 3rd ODI: Aug. 24, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30 p.m.