Glenn Maxwell and Nicholas Pooran packed a punch on Boxing Day in the 2020 Big Bash League, as both scored big to help their franchise Melbourne Stars get to a massive score of 193/5 against the Sydney Sixers. It was the perfect late Christmas treat for Kings XI Punjab fans, as both of their marquee overseas players got resounding fifties on the night.

Pooran, who was playing just his second game in the Big Bash League, took absolutely no time to settle as he bludgeoned the Sydney Sixers’ attack with his ruthless power hitting. The southpaw smashed two fours and a whopping eight sixes in his innings. Pooran in the process ended up scoring the fastest ever fifty for the Melbourne Stars in the history of the BBL. He made the most of Ben Dwarshuis’ medium pace, hitting him for three sixes and a four in the 14th over of the game. The 25-year-old looked menacing throughout his innings, as it took a well judged Jason Holder high catch to send him pack to the pavilion.

At the other end, Stars captain Glenn Maxwell played a supporting role for most part of the innings, allowing Pooran the full license to go berserk. After his KXIP teammate’s dismissal though, Maxwell switched gears as he took on Dan Christian and Braithwaite to end with his highest score of Big Bash 2020. The 32-year-old scored five fours and five sixes, as he ended the innings at 71 not out of just 47 balls. Maxwell’s late cameo ensured that the Stars ended with their highest ever team total for BBL 2020.

Maxwell and Pooran put on a 125 runs stand- usurping the previous record for BBL 2020 held by Jack Edwards and James Vince. The duo also added 46 runs of the two power surge overs, making the most of that rule with some exquisite power hitting. Their efforts ensured that the Stars remained in pole position to regain their place towards the top of the table after four games.