Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said they knew they would be in the game if they could take it deep in the third T20I against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday. Australia was under the cosh at 134-5 after 13.3 overs but Maxwell played a scintillating knock of 104 runs off just 48 balls.

The right-hander smashed eight fours and as many sixes in his unbeaten match-winning knock. Australia required 43 runs in the last two overs and Maxwell and Matthew Wade were able to add the finishing touches.

In fact, Australia needed 16 runs off the last four balls and Maxwell was able to take Prasidh Krishna to the cleaners with the help of his pyrotechnics.

Wade also played his part in the run-chase of 223 runs as the Australian skipper scored a fine cameo of 16-ball 28. At one stage, it looked like Australia was down and out but Maxwell and Wade were able to get their team over the line.

With this thrilling win, Australia was able to stay alive in the five-match T20I series. Maxwell was awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock.

He said in the post-match presentation, “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.”

Maxwell will take no further part in the ongoing series and he travel back to Australia. The fourth T20I between India and Australia will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on Friday.