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Glenn Maxwell stuns cricket world in record run chase: 'What a knock'

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Glenn Maxwell (pictured left) celebrating after hitting (pictured right) a sensational 80 off 51 balls against Sri Lanka.
Glenn Maxwell (pictured left) produced a sensational 80 off 51 balls to help chase down a record target from Sri Lanka upon his international return. (Images: Fox Sports/Twitter)

Glenn Maxwell has produced a masterful innings of power hitting to help Australia chase down a record total against Sri Lanka in the first One Day International.

Australia were initially set a target of 301, but a 90 minute rain break reduced the target to 282 under DLS.

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The Aussies were sitting in a comfortable position and looked to be cruising at 5-228, but limping spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took control.

Hasaranga dismissed both Alex Carey and Pat Cummins in the space of three deliveries.

However, Maxwell - playing his first match in the green and gold since 2020 - steadied the ship with an unbeaten 80 from 51 balls.

The 33-year-old pumped seven sixes in his 51-ball knock, pulling powerfully through the legside whenever the hosts got their lengths wrong.

In the over after Carey and Cummins departed he also took 15 off Maheesh Theekshana, reasserting Australia's position.

Maxwell finished the match with two consecutive sixes with nine balls to spare.

Previously, Australia had never chased down more than 267 against Sri Lanka.

The cricket world was quick to heap praise the talented batter after what proved to be the match winning knock.

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Maxwell pointed out that Australia made it hard on themselves after losing a quick succession of wickets, but was comfortable with the run-rate.

"We probably lost a few too many wickets and made it closer," Maxwell said.

"The run-rate was at a controllable rate, but with the conditions keeping spinners always in the game and the quicks and their change ups.

"On that pitch you were never over the line until the last went over the rope, so it was nice to get the job done."

Initially chasing down Sri Lanka's 7-300, Maxwell's heroics came after Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch had both hit 44 while Steve Smith controlled the early stage of the innings with his 53.

Glenn Maxwell (pictured) hits a drive against Sri Lanka.
Glenn Maxwell (pictured) was the difference as he hit 80 runs off 51 balls during the 1st match in the ODI series between Sri Lanka and Australia. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images) (Buddhika Weerasinghe via Getty Images)

"That was an extraordinary innings by Maxwell," Finch said.

"It was pure class. He showed a lot skills and game smarts."

But it wasn't all positive for Australia.

Agar could be added to their growing injury ward, after leaving the field following the end of his 10 overs with the ball and reporting pain in his side.

The visitors are already without Mitchell Starc and Mitch Marsh for the next ODI on Thursday, while Kane Richardson and Sean Abbott have both been sent home with injuries.

Questions will also be asked of their bowling set up ahead of next year's one-day World Cup on similarly slow wickets in India.

with AAP

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