Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, etched his name in Major League Cricket (MLC) history with a breathtaking century for the Washington Freedom against the Los Angeles Knight Riders. In a display of sheer power and calculated aggression at the Oakland Coliseum, Maxwell blasted an unbeaten 106 off just 49 balls, studded with 13 sixes and 2 fours. This remarkable innings marked his maiden MLC century and his eighth overall in T20 cricket, joining the likes of David Warner, Aaron Finch, Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler.
Maxwell's innings was all the more extraordinary considering the context of the match. Washington Freedom found themselves in a precarious position at 68/4 and later 92/5 in the 12th over when Maxwell arrived at the crease. His start was unusually subdued, scoring a mere 11 runs off his initial 15 deliveries. However, the situation sparked an explosion of aggressive hitting that the Knight Riders bowlers simply couldn't contain.
The turning point arrived in the 14th over when Maxwell launched an assault against fellow Australian Tanveer Sangha, smashing three consecutive sixes. From that moment, "The Big Show" lived up to his name, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes that propelled Washington Freedom to a formidable total of 208/5. Maxwell's acceleration was nothing short of phenomenal, as he scored 89 runs off the subsequent 34 balls.
This outstanding innings underscores Maxwell's status as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen in the world. His ability to change gears and dominate bowling attacks has been a hallmark of his career. With this century, Maxwell achieved a unique T20 triple, amassing over 10,500 runs, claiming more than 170 wickets, and scoring multiple centuries in the format.
Maxwell's recent form is a positive sign for his fans, especially after a disappointing stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he scored just 48 runs in six innings for the Punjab Kings. This MLC century has not only reaffirmed his capabilities but also showcased his adaptability and hunger for success.
Maxwell's achievement is even more remarkable when considering his recent retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket in June 2025. This decision allows him to focus entirely on T20 cricket, and his performance in the MLC suggests that he is determined to make a significant impact in the format. Maxwell has played 116 T20Is, scoring 2,664 runs with a strike rate of 154.97. He also has 43 T20I wickets to his name.
Maxwell's innings wasn't the only notable performance in the match. Mitchell Owen contributed a quickfire 32 off 11 balls at the start of the innings, while other Washington Freedom batsmen chipped in to build a competitive total. In the absence of Steve Smith, Maxwell is captaining the Washington Freedom this season. Under his leadership, the team has experienced mixed results, winning one match and losing another.
This century in the MLC not only adds another feather to Maxwell's cap but also reinforces his position as a valuable asset in the world of T20 cricket. His ability to deliver under pressure, combined with his explosive hitting, makes him a player to watch in the ongoing MLC season and beyond.
