Maxwell’s explosive century, achieved in just 50 balls, played a pivotal role in Australia’s commanding performance, as he hammered an impressive 120 not out from 55 deliveries. The innings featured eight sixes and 12 fours, propelling Australia to a formidable total of 241-4.
In response, the West Indies put up a valiant effort but fell short, managing only 207-9.
Rovman Powell, the West Indies skipper, led the charge with a battling 63.
With this victory, Australia sealed the series after winning the first clash in Hobart by 11 runs. The teams are set to face off for the final match in Perth on Tuesday, providing another exciting opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to witness competitive T20 action.
“It was good fun, that’s for sure. Always good batting here, we saw in the Big Bash how good the wickets were during the tournament,” Maxwell said.
“The wicket was nice and true. I have always relied on my hand speed and it worked for me today. I always give myself the best chance and it’s nice to play a positive knock.”
In the run chase, West Indies opener Johnson Charles set the tone by smashing a massive six off the very first ball he faced, emphasising the aggressive approach needed. However, Josh Hazlewood’s wicket maiden disrupted their momentum, dismissing Brandon King for five as he was caught on the ropes.
Nicholas Pooran counterattacked in the following over from Jason Behrendorff, unleashing three consecutive sixes. Despite his aggressive start, Pooran’s innings was short-lived as he was caught on 18, providing left-arm quick Spencer Johnson with a wicket in his debut home international appearance.
The early damage continued as Marcus Stoinis struck twice in his first over, removing Shai Hope for a duck and dismissing Johnson Charles for 24, leaving West Indies struggling at 62-4.
Johnson claimed his second wicket by dismissing Sherfane Rutherford for a duck, and Stoinis secured his third by sending Andre Russell back to the pavilion for a quickfire 37 off 16 balls.
Despite Rovman Powell’s efforts with a 36-ball knock, West Indies couldn’t overcome the challenge, and the innings ended in a defeat.
“The boys showed courage, they started aggressive but we keep losing wickets and in the middle we failed to get big partnerships,” Powell said.
“But credit to the Australian guys, they bowled well.”
Earlier, Australian opener Josh Inglis faced a brief stint, lasting only six balls before attempting to launch Jason Holder out of the ground and getting caught in the deep.
Captain Mitchell Marsh played a brisk and enterprising knock, contributing 29 runs to help Australia reach 58-2 during their power-play. However, Marsh’s aggressive approach led to his dismissal, caught at mid-on by Jason Holder off Alzarri Joseph, and shortly after, David Warner departed for 22.
Maxwell then entered the scene with an explosive intent, relentlessly seeking boundaries. He showcased his remarkable shot-making abilities, reaching a half-century off just 25 balls.
Maxwell forged a crucial 82-run partnership with Stoinis (16) and later combined forces with Tim David (31 off 14) in a prolific 95-run stand, ultimately guiding Australia to a formidable total.
Maxwell’s sensational innings included a variety of magnificent shots, allowing him to achieve his fifth T20 century and play a pivotal role in his team’s commanding performance.
(With AFP inputs)
