Glenn Maxwell fired Australia to their maiden T20 series win over India with a sensational hundred, overshadowing India skipper Virat Kohli's special effort in the second and final match here on Wednesday.
Maxwell (113 not out off 55 balls) went on a rampage, smashing as many as nine sixes on way to his third century in the shortest format. He took the game away from India, who should have defended 190 for four after Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni shared a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket to take the hosts to a competitive total.
In the end, Australia cantered to a famous seven-wicket win with Maxwell fittingly finishing the game with a six and four.
Prior to the game, Australia had never beaten India in a T20 series, home or away. They had beaten India way back in 2008 at Melbourne but that was a one-off game.
The visitors kept themselves in the chase despite a wobbly start which saw them being reduced to 22 for two in four overs.
also read
- Ignored because I’m Indian? Sunil Gavaskar fumes over not being invited to present Border-Gavaskar trophy
- Sydney Test: Jasprit Bumrah breaks Bishan Bedi's 47-year-old record. But will he bowl on day 3?
- Jasprit Bumrah injured? Stand-in skipper leaves field as Kohli takes over as captain
- 'Have not retired; not going anywhere': Rohit Sharma clarifies after opting out of Sydney Test
- VIDEO | Jasprit Bumrah charges towards Sam Konstas after Usman Khawaja wicket
Opener D'Arcy Short and Maxwell shared a 73-run stand off 43 balls, before the former fell in the 12th over.
India had to defend with only five bowling options which required all-rounder Vijay Shankar to complete his quote of four overs.
Shankar (2/38), who did not bowl in his last three T20s, put up a decent effort, picking up wickets of Short and Finch. Short could not last long after being dropped on 36 by Rishabh Pant.
Australia remained very much in the game with Maxwell plundering the Indian attack in the middle.
It was anyone's game as Australia needed 60 off the last 30 balls with seven wickets in hand.
Maxwell smashed Yuzvendra Chahal for two sixes, including a spectacular reverse hit, to tilt the game in Australia's favour.
Earlier, skipper Kohli led from the front in a must-win tie, hammering an unbeaten 72 off 38 balls in a knock including half a dozen sixes, while Dhoni played the supporting role well with 40 off 23 balls.
Opener K.L. Rahul was amongst runs again, scoring 47 off 26 in front of his home crowd.