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Maxwell's moment of genius leaves cricket world in awe

Cricket viewers have been treated to one of the most spectacular catches of the year by Australia’s Glenn Maxwell against South Africa.

The allrounder helped Australia to restrict South Africa to 6-108 in their rain-delayed, 10-over-a-side Twenty20 International on the Gold Coast.

Maxwell took 1-14 and two catches including an impressive juggling effort on the boundary.

The flashy Aussie combined incredible handling skills with a delicate balancing act to dismiss Proteas danger man and captain Faf du Plessis for 27 runs off the bowling of Billy Stanlake (1-23).

The 30-year-old did well enough to take the initial catch before showing tremendous awareness to parry it into the air before he stepped over the boundary rope.

Maxwell’s catch was simply remarkable against South Africa. Pic: Fox Sports
Maxwell’s catch was simply remarkable against South Africa. Pic: Fox Sports

He then snaffled it into his clutches again once safely back inside the rope.

Maxwell’s moment of genius left cricket fans in a spin on social media.

Proteas refuse to let weather rain on their parade

Thunderstorms postponed the start but there was no stopping South Africa claiming a 21-run victory over Australia.

It was the sixth loss in eight T20 internationals for Australia and their fourth in a row.

The mercurial Maxwell couldn’t get Australia over the line despite his best efforts, top scoring with 38.

Australia began the daunting chase well but lost three wickets in seven balls including the dangerous Chris Lynn (14 off 10 balls), clean bowled by standout Chris Morris (2-12).

First to go was captain Aaron Finch who looked like he was going to enjoy a happy 32nd birthday when he was dropped on five by Andile Phehlukwayo (2-21).

But two balls later Finch was clean bowled by Lungi Ngidi (2-16).

Morris was a standout for the Proteas. Pic: Getty
Morris was a standout for the Proteas. Pic: Getty

In his first outing on tour, allrounder Morris made up for lost time by taking two wickets in three balls to have the hosts in trouble at 3-27 after three overs and the hosts didn’t recover.

The Proteas hit the ground running on Saturday night after the rain delay which dumped 18mm on the venue in two hours, rattling along at 1-43 off three overs.

But with the Proteas cruising at 14 an over Maxwell put on the brakes with his offspin before seamers Andrew Tye (2-18) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-19) maintained the pressure.

The battling Australian team had hoped to gain winning momentum ahead of a three-game T20 series against India and the summer Tests.

Australia need a confidence boost after the fallout over the ball-tampering scandal, a scathing review and the one-day series loss to the Proteas.

And they would have fancied their chances at the first international cricket match played on the Gold Coast.

They have won 11 of their 17 T20s against the Proteas, including five of the past six at home.

With AAP