Australia defeated South Africa by 2-1 in their recent three-match T20I series. Here's how the series result has shaped the latest ICC men’s T20I team rankings.
After Australia took the series opener by 17 runs, Dewald Brevis' blistering 41-ball century powered South Africa to a 53-run victory in the second match, keeping the series alive. But a narrow defeat in the final match meant Australia emerged victorious.
After another dazzling innings from Brevis (a 22-ball fifty) propelled South Africa to 172-7, Australia faced trouble at 88-4 following their 66-run opening stand. The hosts lost their eighth wicket at 163 at the 18.4 over mark. However, Glenn Maxwell - the last recognised batter – played a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 62 off 36 deliveries, sealing victory for Australia with just one ball to spare.
3rd T20I, Australia vs South Africa
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- Ball by ball Over
Since their Super Eight exit in last year's T20 World Cup, Australia have won four of their five subsequent series. Their only non-victory was a 1-1 drawn series against England in September, where the decider was abandoned due to rain.
Updated ICC Men's T20I rankings after AUS v SA series
Australia currently sit second in the ICC T20I rankings with a rating of 266, gradually closing the gap on table-toppers India (271) – the reigning world champions. India's most recent T20I series resulted in a dominant 4-1 victory over England. South Africa, last year's T20 World Cup runners-up, occupy fifth position with a 243 rating. They trail New Zealand (253) in fourth and England (257) in third place.
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