Glenn Maxwell smashed an unbeaten century off just 47 balls, helping Australia chase their target of 223 runs against India in the third T20I. Coming in the final over of the Powerplay, Maxwell took charge after Travis Head set a good pace for Australia. Marcus Stoinis was facing difficulties in scoring, putting the responsibility on Maxwell to pick up the pace. Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed an unbeaten 123 off only 57 balls for India, who set up a good total.
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Glenn Maxwell, known for his lightning-quick hundred in the recent Cricket World Cup, had reached 42 off 22 balls when Stoinis got out, leaving Australia with a requirement of 95 runs from seven overs. Ravi Bishnoi struck again in the following over, dismissing Tim David, causing a setback for the Australian team. However, Maxwell remained composed and reached his fifty with a powerful six off Arshdeep Singh.
When Australia needed 78 runs from five overs, India seemed to have the upper hand, especially after Prasidh Krishna’s economical six-run over in the 18th over. The situation was challenging for Australia, needing 43 runs from the last two overs.
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Matthew Wade’s quick boundaries against Axar Patel in the second last over eased the pressure on Maxwell. However, Australia still required 21 runs from the final over. Wade started the last over with a boundary before Maxwell took charge. He hit a six off Prasidh followed by three consecutive fours, securing a remarkable win for Australia. He also achieved a record-breaking century in the process.
Maxwell’s hundred in 47 balls matched the previous record held by Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis for the fastest century by an Australian in men’s T20Is.
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Glenn Maxwell also equaled Rohit Sharma’s record for the most centuries in men’s T20Is. This was his fourth century in this format. His previous T20I century also came against India in Bengaluru in 2019 during another successful run-chase by Australia.
The series is now open with two more T20Is remaining. The next match will be played on December 1 in Raipur.
