sanjeev
khelja|18-06-2025
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell delivered a stunning performance with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 106 off just 49 balls during Washington Freedom's clash against the Los Angeles Knight Riders at the Oakland Coliseum, California, on Wednesday, June 18. It marked his eighth T20 international century, putting him level with some of the game's greats, including Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler.
Coming in at number six, Maxwell showed no signs of pressure and single-handedly turned the tide in his team's favour, even as the rest of the batting lineup struggled for momentum. His knock featured just two boundaries but an astonishing 13 sixes, as he shifted gears and took full control of the innings.
The explosive innings evoked memories of his legendary World Cup performance against Afghanistan, where he led a one-man rescue mission en route to Australia lifting the title.
With his eighth century in T20 cricket, Maxwell now joins the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, and fellow Australians Aaron Finch, Michael Klinger, and David Warner in a tie for fourth-most T20 centuries. Only Chris Gayle stands ahead by a wide margin, holding the top spot with an incredible 22 centuries.
Maxwell's heroics set the tone for the second innings, as Washington Freedom's bowlers backed up the performance with a clinical effort. Jack Edwards and Mitchell Owen took three wickets apiece, helping bundle out the Los Angeles Knight Riders for just 95 runs in a one-sided contest.
Speaking after the match, Maxwell reflected on his innings and acknowledged the support of Head Coach Ricky Ponting, especially after a difficult IPL season earlier in the year.
"Sometimes things don't go your way; you just need time to find your rhythm. I've let Ricky (Ponting) down in a couple of tournaments.
I even missed out on playing for Punjab toward the end of the IPL," Maxwell admitted."Playing under Ricky, we hopefully have a chance to add to last year's trophy. We tried to stick to that 6 to 8 metre length. Chopping and changing the bowlers helped as well. Netravalkar did well. Adair did well in his first game. You just have to adapt. The attitude in the group has been outstanding," he added.
With Maxwell in red-hot form, Washington Freedom will look to build momentum as they continue their title defense. Their next challenge comes against MI New York on June 22.
