Glenn Maxwell delivered a magical performance for Washington Freedom, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 49 balls to lead his side to a memorable win over the LA Knight Riders on a tough San Francisco pitch. With the next highest score in the match being just 32, Maxwell’s knock stood in a league of its own.
A Knock for the Ages
Maxwell’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability and power-hitting. After a cautious start on a challenging pitch—where he scored just 10 from his first 15 balls—he exploded into action, launching 13 sixes in the next 34 deliveries. His calculated assault turned the game on its head, showing both responsibility as a captain and flair as a finisher.
“I gave myself a chance and being captain, you sort of feel that responsibility to carry on for the team… I was just able to hit pretty consistently at the back end and probably got more than I thought we would get,” Maxwell reflected after his innings.
Ponting’s Faith Rewarded
The victory added a special chapter to the Maxwell–Ponting partnership. Ricky Ponting, Washington Freedom’s coach, has long believed in Maxwell’s unique abilities, supporting him across multiple teams and tournaments. While Maxwell admitted to having let Ponting down before, this innings felt like the ultimate payback for that enduring faith.
“I’ll probably let him down in a few tournaments… In this tournament, to be captain and play under him, I feel like we’ve got a great opportunity to hopefully add to last year’s trophy,” Maxwell said.
Impact Beyond the Boundary
Maxwell’s fireworks weren’t just felt at the ground. His innings sparked celebrations thousands of miles away, with fans from Washington DC and Maryland ordering Maxwell jerseys in real time as he raised his bat for a century. The connection between player and fans was as electrifying as his sixes.
