In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Glenn Maxwell orchestrated a sensational victory for Australia in the third T20I against India, held this Tuesday. Maxwell's unbeaten 47-ball hundred was the driving force behind Australia's successful pursuit of a challenging target of 223.
Entering the fray during the final over of the Powerplay, Maxwell took charge as Travis Head had already laid a solid foundation for the run-chase. With Marcus Stoinis struggling to find his rhythm, the responsibility to accelerate fell squarely on Maxwell's shoulders, as noted by the ICC.
Having already earned the distinction of hitting the fastest Cricket World Cup hundred just last month, Maxwell found himself at 42 off 22 balls when Stoinis made his exit, leaving Australia requiring 95 runs from seven overs.
Despite setbacks, including Ravi Bishnoi's dismissal of Tim David in the following over, Maxwell remained unflustered. Demonstrating his explosive batting style, he reached his half-century with a six off Arshdeep Singh.
As the required runs mounted to 78 off five overs, India seemed to be in a comfortable position. Prasidh Krishna's tight six-run over in the 18th further heightened the challenge for Australia, with 43 runs needed off the last two overs.
Matthew Wade alleviated some pressure with two boundaries and a six off Axar Patel in the penultimate over. However, Australia still found themselves needing 21 runs off the final over.
Wade initiated the last over with a boundary before handing the baton to the well-set Maxwell. The all-rounder rose to the occasion, smashing Prasidh for a six and three consecutive fours, sealing a remarkable victory and clinching a record-breaking century in the process.
Maxwell's 47-ball hundred equaled the records set by Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis for the fastest ton by an Australian in men's T20Is, a feat achieved earlier in the series. Furthermore, Maxwell joined the elite company of Rohit Sharma, boasting the most centuries in men's T20Is with his fourth hundred in the format.
Notably, Maxwell's last T20I century also came against India in Bengaluru in 2019 during another formidable run-chase successfully completed by Australia.
This thrilling win has injected new life into the series, with two T20Is remaining. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to the next encounter scheduled for December 1 in Raipur.
