Glenn Maxwell blasted a record-equaling century as Australia beat the West Indies by 34 runs on Sunday and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20I series.
Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 120 off 55 balls, with eight sixes and 12 fours, and shared a 92-run stand with Tim David (31 off 14 balls) to propel Australia to 241/4, the highest T20I score at Adelaide Oval. “We’re extremely lucky to have (Maxwell) in our team,” Australia captain Mitch Marsh said. “He’s a match-winner, game-changer and people come to watch him.”
Maxwell’s century came off 50 balls and was the fastest hundred in a T20I in Australia — beating South African Rilee Rossouw’s 52-ball effort against Bangladesh during the 2022 World Cup. It was also Maxwell’s fifth T20I century, equalling the record held by India’s Rohit Sharma.
The West Indies chase was derailed by the loss of five wickets in the first seven overs, but a rally led by captain Rovman Powell (63 off 36 balls) and Andre Russell (37 off 16 balls) briefly gave the visitors hope of reeling in the mammoth target.
But the weight of the chase ultimately proved too much as Marcus Stoinis (3/36) and debutant Spencer Johnson (2/39) led Australia’s bowlers in restricting the West Indies chase to 207/9 in its 20 overs.
Brief scores: Australia 241/4 in 20 ovs (Glenn Maxwell 120 n.o.; Jason Holder 2/42). West Indies 207/9 in 20 ovs (Rovman Powell 63, Andre Russell 37; Marcus Stoinis 3/36). Australia won by 34 runs.
