Australian star Glenn Maxwell steered his side to victory after bagging 145 while opening.
Maxwell had only opened twice in his career. He did it once in each One Day International and a Test match. With Aaron Finch being ruled out of the match with a finger injury, the star stepped up and opened for the visitors.
The 27 year old clicked at the top order as he smashed 145 from 65 balls and remained not out in the match. He helped Australia post a score of 263 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The visitors ultimately recorded an 80-run victory and took a 1-0 lead in the two match T20 series against Sri Lanka.
The skipper David Warned stressed that he wanted to open with a left and right combination which led Maxwell to open for the team. However, the star highlighted that he himself wanted to open and reached out to the coach Greg Blewett for this purpose after Finch got injured.
The Melbourne born star stated to media, “I actually had a chat to Greg Blewett a couple of days ago after Finch hurt his finger. I said: ‘Geez, I’d love to have a crack at the top of the order.’ Sure enough, a couple of days, Warner gave me a tap on the shoulder and told me I was going to be up the top with him. So I was excited about it and looking forward to the opportunity.”
Maxwell was eyeing to open for a long time. He made light-hearted fun of Finch when he smashed 18-ball half century in the fourth ODI. The star highlighted that bagging runs while opening will be easy since there are only two fielders outside the circle.
The batting all-rounder score of 145 is the second highest scorer in the T20 Internationals. The highest score in this format is registered by Finch who smashed 156 against England at Ageas Bowl three years ago.
After ruling at the top, Maxwell stressed that he enjoyed batting at this position. He emphasized that it is easier to bat while opening since you get more freedom and less pressure as compared to batting in the middle order. The Aussie also reflected that you only have to beat two fielders in the outer circle and it was easier to score in the opening six overs.
He stated in a press conference, “I really enjoy batting at the top of the order in T20 cricket. I find it’s easier to get into the innings. When you’re in the middle order you have to be proactive the whole time. It seems like if you get out playing a big shot at that stage of the game, it all falls on your shoulders.”
Maxwell got quick inroads at Pallekele as he pocketed a fifty from just 27 balls. He highlighted that his experiences in the Indian Premier League helped him achieve this feat.
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