Glenn Maxwell smashes century as Australia seal thrilling final-ball win over India

A stunning century from Glenn Maxwell guided Australia to a thrilling last-ball victory over India by five wickets in Guwahati on Tuesday, a result that keeps the five-match T20 series alive.

The Baggy Greens had been set a daunting target after the hosts posted 222-3 in their innings, which saw Ruturaj Gaikwad (123 not out) crack his maiden international century.

Having lost the opening two games of a series that followed hot-on-the-heels of their ODI World Cup final win against the same opposition, Australia seemed to be sliding to a potential series clean sweep of defeats.

Opener Aaron Hardie (16) was first to fall with Travis Head – back in the team following his match-winning century in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium – and Josh Inglis falling in the space of four balls, for 35 and 10 respectively.

Marcus Stoinis (17) and Tim David (first-ball duck) were also out cheaply but that brought captain Matthew Wade to the crease alongside Maxwell, who scored an unforgettable century against Afghanistan in the World Cup.

The pair feasted on the Indian attack finding the boundary at will even when Australia needed 43 off 12 balls, 21 off six, and two off the last ball. Maxwell hit the last four balls for 18, drilling Prasidh Krishna down the ground at the finish to silence the home crowd.

“You don't get much better than that,” said Wade. “It was always going to take our best and probably the best player of T20 cricket we have. I wouldn't say 'confident' was on my mind, but we knew here we can bat in chases.

“We really needed this win and a lot of guys are heading home so a chance for the younger ones and hopefully we can take it to the decider with another win.”

India, who won the opening two matches in Visakhapatnam and