On a Tuesday that will be remembered in cricket lore, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell cast an unforgettable spell as he smashed his way to a record-breaking century in his 100th T20I match against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Maxwell’s ferocious batting performance sabotaged India’s defense strategy, propelling him to an explosive unbeaten 104 runs off just 48 balls. This remarkable feat allowed him to join compatriots Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis as the joint fastest Australian to score a T20I century.
Following the high-voltage match, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav lauded Maxwell’s oustanding batting, referring to his innings as “insane.” He shared his team’s initial game plan with a lighthearted tone, remarking, “We just wanted to get Maxi out quickly (laughs), that was the plan.” However, the reality played out differently on the field, especially under conditions fraught with humidity and dew, challenging the bowlers’ grip and ball control.
Reflecting on the previous match in Trivandrum where India faced similar conditions, Yadav acknowledged the tactical difficulties, “We had heavy dew, they lost wickets early but wickets in hand for them meant they were always in the game.” Inspirational as they may have been in their efforts to cling onto control of the game, Yadav’s words of encouragement during the drinks break—to dismiss Maxwell as quickly as possible—went unheeded amid Maxwell’s onslaught.
Addressing the contentious decision to give spinner Axar Patel the 19th over in what was an already difficult situation for spinners, due to the heavy dew, Yadav expressed confidence in Patel’s capabilities and experience. With the match hanging in the balance, “I’ve always thought an experienced bowler in the end, even if a spinner, with heavy dew there’s always a chance,” Yadav stated, justifying his strategic call.
Maxwell’s pyrotechnics may have stolen the limelight, but there was high praise for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting as well from Yadav. Gaikwad’s own performance was noteworthy, having compiled a remarkable maiden century for India, remaining undefeated with 123 runs from 57 balls. Yadav expressed his pride for Gaikwad’s deep innings and his special talent observed in franchise cricket, reiterating his confidence and pride in the team.
Earlier in the match, India had set a daunting score of 222/3 powered by Gaikwad’s batting brilliance. The Australian innings responded with vigor, but India initially seemed to have a grip on the game as Australian wickets fell. However, Maxwell channeled his aggressive style that had previously brought victory for Australia against Afghanistan in the World Cup, and his powerful strikes turned the tide.
The final overs turned into a spectacle as Maxwell took down the Indian bowlers, notably hitting consecutive sixes off Arshdeep’s delivery. Amid the high tension, Yadav’s dropped catch of Matthew Wade’s shot added to the mounting pressure on the Indians.
As the match approached its climax, the last two overs were a display of audacious batting by Maxwell against bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Axar Patel. Krishna, with 21 runs to defend in the final over, could not withstand Maxwell’s raw power. Australia triumphed by five wickets, a victory that spoke volumes of Maxwell’s indomitable spirit and batting prowess.
While the crowd absorbed the aftermath of what they had witnessed, reflections on the performances and decisions made in the game ongoing, this encounter between India and Australia once again showcased the unpredictable excitement that T20 cricket offers. With this win, Australia underlined their reputation as formidable competitors, capable of upstaging even the best-laid plans with individual brilliance. And for Maxwell, another golden page was added to his career’s storybook, etching his name deeper into the annals of cricket history.