Today was all about Maxwell: David Warner

Australia registered a commanding 85 run victory over Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead in the 2 – match series. It was a lop-sided game which was thoroughly dominated by the Aussies. The visitors posted a massive 264 run target batting first riding on the blazing 65 balls 145 runs knock by Glenn Maxwell.

Sri Lanka, in reply, fought back to an extent with Dinesh Chandimal and Chamara Kapugedara hitting fighting knocks. But unfortunately, their knocks were never going to be enough for the hosts to chase down the target as others faltered badly to eventually finish at 178/9.

David Warner surprised one and all by opening with Glenn Maxwell. It was golden move as far as today’s game was concerned. Warner says, “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,” a delighted David Warner.

Dinesh Chandimal was highly disappointed by his bowlers’ performance today. He promised a much better show tomorrow. Chandimal says, “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 was, without any doubt, adjudged as the man of the match for his gladiator-like innings. Maxwell says: “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.”