Belfast Wolves had a dominant outing against Amsterdam Flames in qualifier game of ETPL 2026 [Source: AFP]In the high-voltage Qualifier contest of the EPTL 2026 season held in Dublin, Belfast Wolves beat Amsterdam Flames by 7 wickets to book a direct entry into the final. And the star of the show was none other than Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.The match began with a brilliant bowling effort from the Wolves as they restricted the Flames to a below-par total. While the chase was not at all a cakewalk, Maxwell’s experience and explosive hitting turned out to be the differentiating factor.Maxwell’s four-fer crushes Amsterdam FlamesIn the first innings, Amsterdam Flames had a perfect start with a 46-run opening partnership between Yuvraaj Sharma and Steve Smith. However, once Sharma got run out, the Flames collapsed in the blink of an eye.They lost regular wickets in the middle overs and badly failed to build a good partnership. Renowned Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was ruthless with the ball. He didn’t let Flames make a comeback and claimed 4/18 in four overs.His victims included Bas de Leede, Tim David, Curtis Campher and Michael Bracewell. Matthew Humphreys also chipped in with three wickets. For Flames, Max O'Dowd provided a late boost with 17 off 12 balls, while Aryan Dutt struck 15 off 11.But Wolves' bowling attack kept taking wickets at regular intervals as the Amsterdam Flames were bowled out for 133 in 20 overs. Also Read - Exclusive: Glasgow Cosmic's Tymal Mills On Playing With Kohli-Rohit, Why Bumrah Is Best, ETPL ExperienceBelfast Wolves seal final spot with calculated chase Meanwhile, in the second innings, Belfast Wolves were safe from the scoreboard pressure. Yet, they weren’t complacent and approached the chase with calculated strategy. The Wolves reached the 50-run mark in 6.4 overs. Paul Stirling fell for eight, but Tim Tector contributed a brisk 28 off 21 balls. Devon Conway then anchored the innings with a patient 35 off 41 balls, while Lorcan Tucker remained unbeaten on 34 off 30. With the required rate under control, the Wolves were able to attack in the final overs. Glenn Maxwell then provided the decisive finishing touch. Coming in late in the innings, the Wolves captain smashed 21 not out from only eight balls, including three sixes, at a remarkable strike rate of 262.50. His late assault took Belfast to 136/3 in 18.3 overs, sealing a seven-wicket victory with nine balls remaining. Maxwell's contribution with both bat and ball made him the standout performer. His figures of 4/18 were followed by an explosive unbeaten 21, earning him the Player of the Match award. The victory sends Belfast Wolves into the ETPL 2026 season final, where they will face Edinburgh Castle Rockers. Amsterdam Flames, meanwhile, will reflect on a campaign that ended with a defeat despite Steven Smith's 45 and a promising start with the bat.Also Read - England Level Pakistan's Record As Harry Brook & Co Whitewash Sri Lanka
