Lost to India after missing out on key moments, says Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said missing out on "key moments" against India led to their first defeat in the ongoing World Cup here.

India posted a massive 352 for 5, riding on a professional performance by the top-order led by Shikhar Dhawan (117).

In reply, Australia were dismissed for 316 to suffer a 36-run loss.

Reflecting on the loss, Maxwell said: "Yeah we probably just missed a few key moments during the game. Couple of dropped catches, missed run-out from myself. I could have run out Shikhar Dhawan with a little back-flick there.

"Just a few little moments like that in a World Cup game can be heightened by the end of the game," he said.

One of the missed opportunities for Australia was when wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped a regulation catch of Hardik Pandya early on as he went to score a whirlwind 48 of 27 balls.

Maxwell also lavished praise on the lethal Indian pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah (3/61) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/50).

"Two of the best death bowlers going around, two of the best opening bowlers going around. To give ourselves the chance of almost chasing that down. We just missed a few, little key moments."

Australia were in contention of becoming the first team to successfully chase 353 runs in the World Cup. While David Warner (56), Steve Smith (69) and Carey (55 not out) scored half centuries, other batsmen including Maxwell were unable to star with the bat.

Maxwell felt the complexion of the game could have changed had one of the players in the top order scored a ton.

"But they (India) batted extremely well to get themselves to 350. It's always going to be a hard ask, chasing 350 and defying history at the ground," he said.

"We gave a really good crack and probably if we could get someone to make a hundred, I supposes in that top-4. It could potentially be a different game."

However, Maxwell is optimistic that Australia can turn things around if they work on winning vital battles.

"We lost wickets at the wrong time, the run-out at the top to lose your captain. Just a few, little moments like that if you can turn those around I'm sure our fortunes will turn around as well," Maxwell said.

Shikhar Dhawan's classy hundred and a quality bowling effort powered India to a 36-run victory over Australia, denying two fallen heroes a fairytale script while sounding a warning bell for their opponents in the World Cup. The legend of Shikhar Dhawan in ICC tournaments continued to grow as his stylish 117 formed the cornerstone of a fantastic batting display that propelled India to a win

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