Glenn Maxwell single-handedly led an extraordinary run chase for Australia as they beat India by five wickets. Maxwell’s blistering knock of 48-ball 104* powered Australia to secure a remarkable win, making a fine comeback 1-2 in the five-match series. Needing 20 runs to win in the final over, Maxwell finished off things in style by hitting a six and three consecutive fours. Although Aussie captain Matthew Wade took time to get going, he supported Maxwell with an unbeaten 28.

Batting first, India had a shaky start as hard-hitting Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan fell early. Jason Behrendorff bowled brilliantly to deceive Jaiswal (6) while Kane Richardson dismissed Ishan for a duck. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Suryakumar Yadav played steadily to construct the Indian innings. The pair added 57 runs for the third wicket before Suryakumar departed for 39.

Gaikwad took time to read the pitch conditions but once got settled the right-handed opener attacked the Aussie bowlers to find the fence frequently. Gaikwad went on to hit his maiden T20I ton and also became the first Indian batter to hit a century against Australia in T20Is. Tilak Varma chipped in with 31 while Gaikwad helped India to post a big total of 222/3 with his explosive knock of 57-ball 123*.

Australia’s chase got off to a strong start with both Travis Head (35) and Aaron Hardie (16) getting early boundaries away. However, Indian bowlers made a good comeback by picking up three quick wickets. Although Marcus Stoinis (17) struggled at one end, Maxwell kept finding the fence to keep the required run rate under control. Maxwell hit India’s star bowler at death Prasidh Krishna for 23 runs in the final over to clinch victory. The fourth T20I will be played in Raipur on December 1, Friday.