In the latest T20 clash against India at Guwahati, Glenn Maxwell, the dynamic Australian all-rounder, once again lived up to his nickname, ‘The Big Show,’ delivering a stellar performance that mirrored his outstanding run in white-ball cricket. His unbeaten 104 off 48 balls, featuring eight fours and eight sixes, played a pivotal role in Australia’s successful chase of India’s formidable total of 223. This century not only marked Maxwell’s 100th T20I match but also tied him with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for the most T20I centuries, achieved in just 92 innings, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.

Maxwell’s T20I career statistics are equally impressive, amassing 2,275 runs in 100 matches at an average of 29.54 and a striking rate exceeding 153. He now shares the honor of being Australia’s third-highest T20I run-scorer with four centuries and 10 fifties, the highest being an unbeaten 145*. Notably, this achievement comes on the heels of Maxwell’s power-packed display in ODI cricket during the World Cup.

In a memorable encounter against the Netherlands, Maxwell entered the fray with Australia at 266/4 in the 39th over. Within a mere 11 overs, he transformed the match into a breathtaking century, the fastest-ever in Cricket World Cup history. His 106 off 44 balls, featuring nine fours and eight sixes, propelled Australia to a commanding total of 399, ultimately leading to the Netherlands being dismissed for 90.

On November 7, facing a potential upset against Afghanistan, Maxwell once again emerged as the savior. Despite battling heat, cramps and back spasms, he forged a match-winning partnership with skipper Pat Cummins. Maxwell’s audacious strokes, resembling golf or baseball shots, saw him score an unbeaten 201* in just 128 balls, with 12 fours and 10 sixes, securing an extraordinary victory. This remarkable innings not only marked Australia’s comeback but also etched Maxwell’s name in history as the first Australian male cricketer to score an ODI double century, the highest-ever by a non-opener.

The resilience, fearlessness, and never-give-up attitude displayed by Maxwell mirrored a Bollywood script, where the hero rises from adversity to triumph unexpectedly. Social media buzzed with memes and comparisons to WWE icon Undertaker, underscoring Maxwell’s energetic assault on opponents when defeat seemed imminent.

Fast forward three weeks, and Maxwell replicated his heroics with a record-equalling century against India in the third T20I. With 529 runs in 13 matches this year at an average of 58.77 and a strike rate exceeding 156, Maxwell appears poised to play a crucial role in Australia’s bid for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the tournament, only time will reveal if ‘The Big Show’ continues to dazzle and guide Australia to yet another ICC title.

In a breathtaking turn of events, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell unleashed an astounding unbeaten 201-run onslaught against Afghanistan, securing a spot for his team in the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-finals. The cricketing world is still abuzz with Maxwell’s electrifying performance at Wankhede Stadium.

Virat Kohli, who shares the cricket field with Maxwell as teammates at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, took to social media to express his awe at Maxwell’s phenomenal knock. Kohli, acknowledging Maxwell’s extraordinary talents, wrote,

“Only you could do this, freak @gmaxi_32,”

in an Instagram story.

Maxwell himself was not immune to the overwhelming response, taking to Twitter to express his gratitude:

“Pretty overwhelmed with all the Thank you so much to everyone that has sent messages. @patcummins30 was amazing out there! Sorry I knocked back a couple Time to get back to dad duties,” Maxwell wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

While Maxwell’s performance was outstanding, he did have a couple of close calls, notably when Afghan fielders, particularly Mujeeb ur Rahman, dropped him before he reached a half-century. Maxwell acknowledged that a flawless innings would have been ideal but expressed his pride in making the most of the opportunity.

“While fielding today, the scorching heat took me by surprise. I hadn’t acclimated to such conditions, and it got the better of me. I felt the need to pause and get my legs moving again. When asked about our plans at 92/7, I didn’t change much; I aimed to adhere to our batting strategies, maintain a positive mindset, and continue playing my shots. The LBW decision was a close call, with the ball just grazing above the stumps, prompting me to become more proactive. There was a subtle hint of swing and nip off the surface, particularly under the evening lights, and our opponents bowled brilliantly to exploit those conditions. While it would have been ideal for my innings to be without a blemish, I did have a couple of chances. Nevertheless, I take pride in capitalizing on those opportunities tonight. It’s truly amazing how, after the first two games, people were quick to write us off. However, our team’s unwavering belief was always intact, and today’s performance has elevated that belief even higher,”

Maxwell shared during the post-match presentation ceremony.