Oakland [USA], June 18: Australian star Glenn Maxwell showcased his explosive prowess once again, smashing his eighth T20 century during a Major League Cricket (MLC) clash for Washington Freedom (WSF) against the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). With this knock, Maxwell now shares the fourth-highest number of centuries in T20 cricket history, joining an elite group that includes David Warner, Aaron Finch, Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, and Michael Klinger.
Captaining Washington Freedom in the absence of regular skipper Steve Smith, Maxwell delivered a stunning unbeaten 106* off just 49 deliveries. His innings featured a staggering 13 sixes and only two fours, scored at a blistering strike rate of 216.33 — a performance that justified his moniker, “The Big Show.”
Maxwell’s eight T20 tons place him alongside some of the game’s most prolific short-format batters. Topping the list is West Indian legend Chris Gayle with an unmatched 22 centuries from 463 games. Pakistan’s Babar Azam follows with 11, while India’s Virat Kohli and South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw each have nine.
The innings was especially crucial for WSF, who were struggling at 68/4 after a promising start. Mitchell Owen had earlier provided a quickfire boost with a 32 off 11 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. But it was Maxwell who stole the spotlight, launching a ferocious assault in the final overs. He smashed 26 runs in the final over bowled by Jason Holder, with Obus Pienaar (14*) at the other end, helping Washington finish at a competitive 208/5.
In the ongoing MLC 2025 season, Maxwell has so far amassed 149 runs from three innings at a staggering average of 149.00 and a strike rate exceeding 204. His earlier scores in the tournament include an unbeaten 38 and a brief 5, positioning him as the second-highest run-scorer in the league so far.
Under Maxwell’s leadership, Washington Freedom has had a mixed start — winning one match and losing one. However, with their captain in red-hot form, WSF will be hoping for more match-winning knocks as the tournament progresses.
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