India vs Australia 3rd T20I: Glenn Maxwell's Houdini act propels Australia to big win, overshadows Ruturaj Gaikwad's ton

Guwahati, Nov 28: In a remarkable individual performance, Glenn Maxwell executed a sensational one-man Houdini Act, guiding Australia to a five-wicket triumph over India in the third T20I in Guwahati on Tuesday (November 28).

Maxwell's unbeaten century of 104 runs from 48 balls, including 8 fours and 8 sixes, propelled Australia to chase down India's imposing total of 222 for 3, primarily built around Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden international hundred-a spectacular 123 runs off 57 balls.

In the pursuit of 225 for 5, Australia managed to cut India's series lead to 2-1 in the ongoing five-match series. Skipper Matthew Wade's crucial contribution of an unbeaten 28 and a significant partnership of 91 off 40 balls for the sixth wicket with Maxwell played a pivotal role in securing the victory.

Maxwell's innings served as a reminiscent nod to his epic double hundred against Afghanistan in the recent 50-over World Cup, showcasing his ability to carry his team single-handedly. While not as voluminous or grandiose on this particular night, Maxwell's century provided Australia with a crucial foothold in the series.

Glenn Maxwell Slams 4th T20I Century

The innings became even more significant for Maxwell after he conceded 30 runs in the final over of India's innings, contributing to the home side's imposing total. Facing the daunting task of scoring 21 runs in the last over bowled by pacer Prasidh Krishna, Maxwell, who survived a run-out chance at 32, sealed the victory with one six and three fours, completing his fourth T20I century in just 47 balls-matching the record for the fastest T20I hundred for Australia alongside Josh Inglis and Aaron Finch.

India, bowling with five fielders in the ring due to a slow over-rate penalty, seemed to have the upper hand until the penultimate over when a lapse in wicketkeeping by Ishan Kishan, failing to collect a ball behind the stumps off left-arm spinner Axar Patel, resulted in a no-ball. This error cost India dearly as 22 runs were scored in that over, swinging the momentum in Australia's favor.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Starred For Team India

Before Maxwell's explosive innings, Australia faced a momentary setback, losing three wickets for 21 runs, reaching 68-3. However, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain Maxwell's onslaught. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad's career-best 123, the first T20I century by an Indian against Australia, provided a solid foundation for India's innings.

Despite a shaky start for India, losing in-form batters Yashasvi Jaiswal (6) and Ishan Kishan (0) early on, Gaikwad anchored the innings perfectly. His innings of 123, coupled with a switch in gears after Suryakumar Yadav's dismissal, showcased a wide range of shots and a demonstration of brute power, particularly in the last six overs.

Maxwell's exceptional innings and Gaikwad's century set the stage for an enthralling contest, ultimately resulting in a thrilling victory for Australia and adding another chapter to the captivating T20I series.