Maxwell ties the record by Rohit Sharma.
2023.11.30Glenn Maxwell showcased an outstanding performance
Maxwell strolled purposefully to the crease during the final over of the Powerplay. Travis Head had set the stage with a solid start in the run-chase, but the struggle of Marcus Stoinis to find the middle of the bat intensified the pressure on Maxwell to step up the scoring rate.sportzlanka
This dynamic all-rounder, renowned for smashing the fastest Cricket World Cup hundred just last month, already notched up 42 runs off 22 balls by the time Stoinis made his way back to the pavilion. With Australia now facing the daunting task of chasing down 95 runs in the remaining seven overs, all eyes were on Maxwell to bring his explosive prowess to the forefront.
The Australians were further shaken when Tim David was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi for the second time in the next over. However, Maxwell was unfazed as he reached his half-century with a six off Arshdeep Singh.
India were the obvious favorites with 78 needed off five overs, and they stayed that way when Prasidh Krishna produced an innings-ending six-run over in the eighteenth over. Australia’s calculation had gotten quite difficult, as 43 runs were required in the final two overs.
In the penultimate over, Matthew Wade hit two fours and a six off Axar Patel to ease the pressure on Maxwell, but the Australians still needed 21 runs from the final over.
Wade ignited the over with a stylish boundary, setting the stage for the seasoned Maxwell to take command. The versatile all-rounder then unleashed his prowess, dispatching Prasidh for a powerful six, followed by a spectacular hat-trick of fours. This electrifying performance not only propelled Australia to a breathtaking victory but also marked Maxwell’s record-breaking century.icc
Clocking in at a mere 47 balls, Maxwell’s hundred matched the blistering pace set by Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis earlier in the series, establishing a shared record for the fastest ton by an Australian in men’s T20Is.
In a remarkable feat, Maxwell also joined the elite league by equalling Rohit Sharma’s record for the most centuries in men’s T20Is, securing his fourth century in this dynamic format.
Maxwell’s earlier T20I century had also unfolded against India in Bengaluru back in 2019, marking another high-scoring chase that Australia triumphantly navigated.
This victory breathes life into the series, keeping it pulsating with two more T20Is on the horizon. The forthcoming clash is slated for December 1 in Raipur, promising another thrilling chapter in this riveting cricket saga
@charith
