19 September 2026
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NEWS
Maxwell leads Belfast to final at the expense of Amsterdam
Glenn Maxwell single-handedly led the Belfast Wolves to the final of the inaugural ETPL. The Australian took four wickets and also did not do a half-hearted job batting in the run chase as Belfast won by seven wickets.
It was a good toss to win, and Maxwell must certainly have appreciated that. The Amsterdammers were sent in and batted just couldn't get into the proverbial groove, aided by good fielding from the Irish. Steve Smith reached 45, and Max O’Dowd and Aryan Dutt, with a 32-run partnership for the ninth wicket, ensured that the Amsterdam Flames had something to defend, namely 133 runs. Maxwell took 4-18 and Matt Humphreys 3-22, making it 7-40 for the spinners combined.
Had Amsterdam capitalized on all their catching opportunities, they might well have had a chance. Devon Conway took his time for his 35 runs and Lorcan Tucker was far from convincing with 34 not out, but when Glenn Maxwell (21 not out off eight balls) took charge, Amsterdam's fate was sealed in the blink of an eye. With 2-20, Michael Bracewell could leave the field with his head held high.
The final in Malahide between Belfast Wolves and Edinburgh Castle Rockers will be broadcast live on Sunday at 15:15 via Olympics.