Glenn Maxwell’s Record-Breaking T20I Century Shines in Australia’s Victory

Australian dynamo Glenn Maxwell put on a remarkable show at Adelaide Oval on Sunday during the second T20I against the West Indies. The Victorian blazed an unbeaten 120 off just 55 balls, smashing 12 boundaries and eight sixes, leading Australia to a colossal total of 4-241 on South Australian soil. This score stands as Australia’s highest in T20I on home turf and the fourth-highest globally.

Maxwell’s extraordinary innings also propelled him to join Indian star Rohit Sharma as the only two cricketers to register five centuries in men’s T20I matches, a feat celebrated by fans and critics alike. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Maxwell expressed his delight in harnessing the favorable conditions at the venue and his satisfaction in capitalizing on the opportunity, emphasizing his strategy of utilizing precision and timing to find gaps and clear boundaries.

Reflecting on past adversities during his time in Adelaide, including a tumultuous incident that saw him hospitalized after a night out, Maxwell emphasized the significance of making this trip a positive one through his stellar performance. After a modest 10 in the series opener, the right-hander’s rampage was a sight to behold, showcasing his immense talent and resilience.

The match saw an early wicket fall as Australian opener Josh Inglis departed for 4 in the second over, attempting a pull shot against the crafty Jason Holder. Captain Mitchell Marsh contributed with a quickfire 29 before falling to Alzarri Joseph, while veteran David Warner succumbed to a slower ball by Romario Shepherd for 22.

Maxwell’s onslaught continued as he powered the Australian innings, engaging in audacious strokeplay and innovative shots to accelerate towards a half-century in a mere 25 deliveries. Partnering with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for an 82-run stand, Maxwell’s pyrotechnics left the West Indies bowlers chasing shadows.

In the crucial penultimate over, Maxwell reached his century with a sublime shot through the covers, reaching the milestone off just 50 balls. His partnership with Tim David, who remained unbeaten on 31 off 14, propelled Australia to a commanding total of 241, setting the West Indies a daunting target for victory.

The West Indies, in response, faced a challenging task as they found themselves at 5-63 in the seventh over, with the likes of Brandon King, Johnson Charles, and Nicholas Pooran falling early to the Australian bowlers. Despite a spirited effort, the visitors struggled to contend with the mammoth total set by the hosts.

The match also witnessed amusing moments, such as a security guard briefly “disappearing” with a ball hit for six by Maxwell, sparking light-hearted banter among commentators. As the game unfolded, the intensity and excitement on the field mirrored Maxwell’s unstoppable form, leaving fans in awe of his batting masterclass and Australia’s dominance in the contest.