After enduring a 14-year wait, Australia finally clinched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy, and the defining moment had the unmistakable flair of Glenn Maxwell. In a fashion that epitomises his explosive style, Maxwell sealed an emphatic eight-wicket victory over their neighbours, New Zealand, sending his exuberant teammates swarming onto the pitch in jubilation. Australia were to face the New Zealand in the decider of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

The path to this crowning glory was a rollercoaster ride. The postponed 2020 World Cup on their home turf had initially cast shadows of doubt over their fairytale aspirations. However, the script of their triumph in the UAE unfolded with remarkable drama. Australia, having weathered a daunting group stage setback against England, resolutely fought back to emerge as the ultimate victors.

The heroes of this enthralling journey included Australia wicket-keeper Matthew Wade and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who set the stage for a climactic showdown against New Zealand, where the coveted ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title beckoned both sides. Australia had come agonizingly close to glory before, only to fall short in the 2010 final against England in Barbados. Those haunting memories were finally exorcised 11 years later.

In the title-decider, New Zealand’s skipper Kane Williamson’s masterful 85 set a target of 173 for their Trans-Tasman rivals to chase down. But it wasn’t sufficient as David Warner’s explosive 53 off 38 deliveries, earning him the Player of the Tournament accolade, and an unbeaten 77 off 50 balls by Mitchell Marsh, complete with four towering sixes, swung the momentum Australia’s way. Maxwell chipped in with a quickfire 28 from just 18 deliveries, ensuring they secured the coveted trophy with seven balls to spare.