Australian captain David Warner is all praise Glenn Maxwell after their commendable 85-run victory against Sri Lanka in the first T20I at Pallekele.
Having put into bat by Sri Lanka, David Warner surprised everyone by promoting Maxwell to opener spot and the decision paid dividends for them as Maxwell went on hitting mode from the beginning.
He made an unbelievable 145 runs from just 65 balls which helped Australia break the record for highest T20I score as they went on to post a massive 263/3 in their 20 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka have made 178/9 handing Aussies a big 85 run victory in the two match T20I series.
Warner said, “I would have batted first. That’s what happens in the game. I just thought giving Maxi an opportunity – He knows what he needs to do, he’s been scoring a few runs back and showed all of us what he can do.
“Maxi is an outstanding player, we all know what he’s got and we gave him the freedom to express himself in the first six overs which paid off. Today was all about Maxwell and the boys have really come to the party.”
Sri Lankan captain Chandimal said, “I’m really disappointed. Our bowlers are kept at by Glenn Maxwell who batted brilliantly. It was an amazing innings. Not sure we would have batted first.”
“Youngsters are working around with the seniors, they are still learning. We need to regroup as a team and come back well. We need to have a good game plan, especially for the bowlers. We are going to put our heart and should for the next game.”
Glenn Maxwell who was dropped from the ODI squad earlier in the tour made a massive comeback with his first knock as he made a statement for selectors. After adjourned as the man of the match for his knock, he said: “Little bit of instinctive. I’ve tried to hit my areas. I’m feeling comfortable with my T20 cricket in the last one year or so.”
“Reverse sweeps are my strength and it came off outstandingly well today. Batting at number one always gives you the chance to express yourself and get the most number of runs. Hopefully, I can get a couple of hundreds in a few other countries.”