Glenn Maxwell Powers Australia To World Record 263/3 in T20Is And Big Win

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 145, becoming the second highest individual scorer in Twenty20 internationals, as Australia piled up a mammoth 263/3 in the first T20 match against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Tuesday.

It is the highest ever total put up by any team in the T20 international format. Besides this, the Aussies have equalled Royal Challengers Bangalore's record against Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013.

In reply, Sri Lanka could manage 178/9 in 20 overs as they lost by 85 runs. Australia are now 1-0 ahead in the two-match series.

On a personal note, Maxwell is behind his teammate Aaron Finch, who is currently the highest scorer in T20Is after his knock of 156 versus England in 2013. He is followed by Shane Watson who had scored an unbeaten 124 versus India in January this year.

"I was aware of Finch's record, but was great to get a crack in my comeback. Thanks for getting a chance at the top of the order," an elated Maxwell said.

Put into bat by Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal, the visitors went off to a blazing start as Maxwell along with his opening partner David Warner added 57 runs for the first wicket off meagre 29 deliveries.

After Warner's departure, Usman Khawaja joined in as the duo put together 97 runs for the second wicket off just 51 balls.

Following Khawaja's dismissal, Travis Head joined in and ably complimented Maxwell with his aggressive shots.

Meanwhile, Maxwell raced to his hundred when he scooped Suranga Lakmal's full toss, which turned out to be a no-ball. He achieved the milestone off just 49 balls which included 11 boundaries and five sixes.

The Victorian all-rounder did not stop here and ended up with an unbeaten 145, including 14 boundaries and five sixes.