Suburban cricket star hits 16 sixes, 10 fours in Twenty20 masterclass
Suburban cricket star Aaron Maynard has launched one of the most extraordinary knocks in Twenty20 cricket, saying “everything just clicked” as he smashed 16 sixes on his way to a huge score that helped his team through to the NWMCA final.
Local Sport
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There were fireworks in Oak Park on Tuesday night, but of the cricket variety.
The crowd at Rayner Park was treated to a Twenty20 masterclass by St Francis de Sales master blaster Aaron Maynard.
An incredible 16 sixes and 10 fours were launched from Maynard’s bat in a remarkable score of 171 off just 63 balls.
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The star batsman brought up his hundred in just 44 balls and scored his final 71 runs in 22 deliveries.
Maynard revealed his spectacular innings had exceeded anything he’d done in a distinguished red ball career.
“It’s actually my top score in Australia, full stop,” he said.
“(The 16 sixes) is definitely a PB, they were small boundaries but you’ve still got to hit them.
“Mainly over cover and straight (down the ground) were the main areas I was targeting.
“That’s a strength of mine, hitting through the off, so just trying to clear the leg and give myself room.”
Maynard’s previous best was 150 in a two-day game for VSDCA outfit Altona in 2011-12.
Aaron Finch holds Australia’s international record with 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018 while Marcus Stoinis’ 147 not out this season is the Big Bash record.
Maynard’s brutal knock propelled St Francis de Sales to a massive 4-258, ensuring a 76-run win over Donnybrook (all out 183) in their NWMCA T20 semi-final.
“It was one of those nights, everything just clicked from the first ball,” Maynard said.
“It was a good occasion and always good to get through to a final.”
The Saints will face Buckley Park in the final with a date and venue still to be determined.