World Cup winner Glenn Maxwell showcased his extraordinary batting skills by smashing the fastest Twenty20 international century on Australian soil, leading his team to a series victory against the West Indies.
Last month, Maxwell found himself embroiled in controversy after being hospitalised following a day of heavy drinking with other cricketers. This incident raised concerns about his relationship with alcohol.
However, Maxwell put all doubts to rest with a remarkable unbeaten innings of 120 runs off just 55 balls at Adelaide Oval on Sunday night. His exceptional knock, comprising eight sixes and 12 fours, propelled Australia to a formidable total of 241 runs for the loss of four wickets. The West Indies team managed 207 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
Australia's 34-run victory in this match secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Maxwell's century came off a mere 50 balls, breaking the previous record for the fastest T20I century on Australian soil set by South Africa's Rilee Rossouw with 52 balls against Bangladesh in Sydney during the 2022 World Cup.
Remarkably, Maxwell now shares the Australian record for the fastest T20I century with Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis, all achieved in overseas fixtures. He also equaled the record for the most T20I centuries, held by Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma, with a total of five centuries to his name.
Maxwell's innings was a display of classic counter-attacking cricket, rescuing Australia from a precarious position of 64 runs for the loss of three wickets in the seventh over. Speaking to Fox Sports, Maxwell expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the opportunity to spend substantial time at the crease. He acknowledged the importance of capitalising on favourable conditions and the need to make the most of such opportunities in T20 cricket.
Batting at number four, Maxwell dominated the Australian innings, which also featured valuable contributions from Tim David (31 not out off 14 balls), captain Mitchell Marsh (29 off 12 balls), and David Warner (22 off 19 balls).
Maxwell reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries and maintained a consistent pace. His innings showcased a combination of audacious shot-making and elegant strokeplay. Notably, he executed switch-hits for six on two occasions and hit a massive six over long-on, covering a distance of 109 metres according to ball tracking.
Reflecting on his performance, Maxwell highlighted his reliance on hand speed to compensate for any sluggish footwork. He aimed to guide the ball into gaps or clear the infield, a strategy that proved highly successful for him.
Australia's total of 241 runs stands as the nation's fourth-highest in a T20I match. The highest-ever score in this format was achieved against Sri Lanka in 2016, when Maxwell scored a career-best unbeaten 145 runs in a total of 263 runs for the loss of three wickets.
In their pursuit of Australia's imposing total, the West Indies never posed a serious threat, losing five wickets within the first seven overs. Captain Rovman Powell was the top scorer with 63 runs off 36 balls, while Andre Russell contributed 37 runs off 16 balls. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis played a crucial role, claiming three wickets for 36 runs.
In the final match of the series, the West Indies managed to achieve a consolation win by 37 runs. However, Australians still got their 2-1 victory. Next week Australia will start a New Zealand tour with the World Cup in the West Indies ahead.