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Maxwell Sets Sights On Powerplay Impact With Ball In T20 World Cup 2026
Follow UsIn T20s this year, Maxwell has bowled 21 overs during the powerplay, taking eight wickets at an economy of 8
Australia’s spin-bowling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is placing a strong emphasis on delivering more overs in the powerplay as he prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In T20s this year, Maxwell has bowled 21 overs during the powerplay, claiming eight wickets at an economy rate of 8.
One of his most notable breakthroughs came in the 2023 ODI World Cup, when he dismissed India’s in-form captain Rohit Sharma in the final over of the powerplay, shifting the momentum of the match.
"I think in the subcontinent you might be able to get a little bit more out of it as a spinner early on," Cricket.com.au quoted Maxwell as saying ahead of the third and series-deciding T20I against South Africa in Cairns.
"Especially that new ball, the hard seam, being able to grip on those dry surfaces. So it might be something we think about head forward."
In the ongoing series against the Proteas, Maxwell has already removed Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Aiden Markram in the powerplay, with the latter's dismissal even sparking an animated celebration.
"I'm just as surprised as anyone when I get a wicket. I love getting wickets. It's very surprising anytime I get anyone out. I'm there to do a job in the Powerplay and I'm trying to execute that as well as I can,” Maxwell said.
Since 2024, Maxwell has also shown remarkable flexibility with the bat, taking on roles from No.1 to No.7 in Australia’s T20I lineup. "I've been a bit of the shuffler around the order, up and down. I'm filling holes at the moment,” he explained.
"Even during the West Indies series, trying to combat Akeal Hosein (by) going up the top, this series going a little bit lower, trying to manage that back end (of the innings). (I'm) trying to play whatever role is needed for me in this side and just try and be as adaptable as possible."