Glenn Maxwell celebrates his 31st birthday on October 14, 2019 (Monday). The Australian international, renowned all over the cricketing world for his ability to smash any kind of bowlers out of the park and for his unorthodoxy. Was born on this day in 1988 at a small suburb of Kew in Victoria, Australia. He is nicknamed the “The Big Show” by his teammates for his confidence and tendency to play extravagant shots. In the Australian national team, Maxwell is called “Maxi” which is the nickname he usually prefers. Maxwell made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Delhi Capitals – erstwhile Delhi Daredevils – in 2012. He was signed as a replacement for Travis Birt, who withdrew from the squad.

Maxwell was scouted by then Delhi mentor TA Sekar, who is said to have observed a young Maxwell during the 2010 & 2011’s Emerging Players Tournament. In the 2010 edition of the tournament, Maxwell scored 63 in the semi-finals against India playing for the Australian Institute of Sports. Next year, the hard-hitting batsman scored 59 from just 23 deliveries against India and followed it with 110 runs from just 52 balls against South Africa, albeit in a losing cause. He has since gone on to represent the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and King’s XI Punjab in the IPL. Take a look at some of Maxwell’s best IPL Performances.

95 (43) vs Chennai Super Kings, in Abu Dhabi, IPL 2014

Just two days into the sixth edition of the IPL, which was also being played in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the first time, Maxwell carried Kings XI Punjab to a smashing win over Chennai Super Kings. Chasing a massive target of 206, Punjab were struggling - having lost both opening batsmen Virender Sehwag and Cheteshwar Pujara inside the power play - when Maxwell decided to turn the tide.

Then in a storm that lasted less than half an hour, "The Big Show" hammered 15 fours and two sixes to make a staggering 43-ball 95. He was bowled by Dwayne Smith before he could reach the double figures but Punjab had little trouble after that in winning the game by six wickets. Maxwell also won the Man of the Match.

95 (43) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, in Sharjah, IPL 2014

What do you – an Indian cricket fan remember – at the mention of Sharjah? Sachin Tendulkar’s fiery innings against Australia that gave Shane Warne many sleepless nights. But that before the Maxwell tornado struck this famous town in Abu Dhabi. Days after blowing Chennai Super Kings with his blistering knock, Glenn Maxwell played identical innings of 43-ball 95 runs. This was against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab were batting first.

The Sehwag-Pujara opening duo gave Punjab a good start and Maxwell came at the loss of first wicket in the seventh over. What followed will forever be written in the books Sharjah. With the help of 9 sixes and 5 boundaries, the Australian international made another 95 runs and had strike-rate of 220+ but once again couldn't complete the century. He was dismissed by Amit Mishra in the 18th over. But Punjab put up 193 and went to win by 72 runs. Man of the Match? Who else But Maxwell.

90 (38) vs Chennai Super Kings, in Cuttack, IPL 2014

Once again he fell within the touching distance of a century for the third time in IPL 2014. But his innings of 90 from 38 deliveries blew Chennai Super Kings away for the second time in the IPL 7. Maxwell arrived at the crease in the fifth over and by the time he was dismissed by Mohit Sharma in the 18th over, the "Big Show" had plummeted 8 maximums and 6 boundaries. He tore into India's first two primary spinners -- Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - and smashed 75 off five combined overs from the duo.

Maxwell also shared a 135-run partnership with David Miller and finished with a strike-rate of 236.84 to take Punjab to 231/4. Chennai never looked like they could chase and Punjab eventually won by 44 runs with Maxwell living up to his nickname, "The Big Show."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2019 09:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).