Ruturaj Gaikwad's ton in vain as Glenn Maxwell Thrashes India

Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed an unbeaten 123 to lead India to an imposing 222 in Guwahati, but Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 104 stunned the hosts as Australia pulled off a miraculous come-from-behind victory to keep the T20I series alive at 2-1. Maxwell made 104 off 48 balls (8x4, 8x6) as the Aussies went past India’s 222 for 3 in the last ball of the match. Skipper Matthew Wade remained not out on a crucial 28 off 16 balls.

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed his maiden international hundred to power India to 222/3 before Glenn Maxwell’s 47-ball century helped Australia chase down the steep target and remain alive in the five-match series. Glenn Maxwell’s 48-ball 104 not out overshadowed an equally destructive century from Ruturaj Gaikwad as Australia won a last-ball thriller by five wickets in the third T20I against India in Guwahati on Tuesday.

Maxwell, who had been in brilliant form during the recent ICC World Cup as well, brought up his fourth T20I century in just 47 deliveries — the joint-fastest by an Australian in T20Is alongside Josh Inglis and former captain Aaron Finch. Glenn Maxwell recreated his World Cup knock against Afghanistan as he single-handedly guided Australia to a five-wicket victory in the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Maxwell's destructive mood spoiled the party for the Indian team in his 100th T20I game and made it even more special with an unbeaten 104 off 48 balls.

After the match Glenn Maxwell said It all went pretty quickly. It was hard work for them to bowl yorkers with so much dew. We didn’t really have a number in mind. Knew we would be in the game if we could take it down to the final over. Wade had to be out there to cash in with Axar having one over left towards the end. Wade was brilliant out there, the way he went helped me as well.

Australia clinch a thrilling win to keep the series alive and they owe it to Maxwell. Playing his 100th T20I, his night didn't seem to be going too well after conceding 30 in the only over he bowled but he turned it around once he came out to bat and played a classic Maxwell knock to take his side to victory while also notching up a century in the process. Two more games to go in the series and it's 2-1 in India's favour at the minute. Australia's side will see some new faces in that game at Raipur on Friday as some of their players, including Maxwell will board the plane home.