The big news: Mad Max powers Australia to big win

Glenn Maxwell smashed 145 runs in 63 balls to power Australia to 263/3 in the first Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday. Maxwell smashed the bowlers all around the park and was partnered by Travis Head, who scored a quickfire 45 of 18 balls. Sri Lanka were beaten by 85 runs and will look to set the record straight in the second T20I on September 9.

The Lankans tried their best to chase down the target, but were undone by some fine bowling by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, with the duo bagging three wickets apiece. However, it was Maxwell’s night and after he was given the chance to open along with David Warner, the right-hander did not disappoint. He smashed nine towering sixes and 14 fours in his unbeaten knock of 145.

Other top stories

  1. In the Duleep Trophy, India Blue dominated day three as India Green were bowled out for 237 with Abhimanyu Mithun bagging three wickets. Led by Gautam Gambhir, India Blue came to bat for the second time along with Mayank Agarwal and continued their onslaught, ending the day on 85/0 and a massive lead of 555 runs.
  2. South Africa picked uncapped bowler Andile Phehlukwayo for the upcoming home ODI series against Australia. Captain AB de Villiers, who missed the series against New Zealand owing to injury, also makes a return to the squad. Morne Morkel and Rilee Rossouw were not selected because of injury and David Miller was picked as a replacement for Rossouw.
  3. England’s fast bowler Chris Jordan confirmed that he would tour Bangladesh amid security concerns cited by most English players. The tour is scheduled to take place in October, but with players yet to confirm their availability, whether everyone from the first team will travel remains to be seen.
  4. The Madurai Super Giants lost to Karaikudi Kaalai by 52 runs in the Tamil Nadu Premier League on Tuesday. The VB Thiruvallur Veerans are set to take on the Albert TUTI Patriots on Wednesday.