In an action-packed T20I opener at the Gabba, Australia’s relentless performance, led by Glenn Maxwell’s quick-fire innings and a combined pace attack, propelled them to a 1-0 lead in the series.
Rain and lightning delays reduced The match to seven overs per side. Still, Australia seized the opportunity, setting a formidable target of 93/4, which proved out of reach for Pakistan.
Maxwell and Fraser-McGurk Fire Off with Aggression
After Pakistan opted to field first, Jake Fraser-McGurk opened Australia’s innings with aggressive shots, targeting Shaheen Afridi for back-to-back boundaries. Matthew Short joined the charge, smashing a six to conclude the first over.
Though Fraser-McGurk was dismissed early in the second over, Glenn Maxwell stepped up, displaying exceptional skill with the reverse scoop against Naseem Shah, which resulted in four boundaries. Aviator Predictor By the end of two overs, Australia had stormed to 33 runs.
Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi Briefly Slow Australia’s Momentum
Pakistan briefly regained control when Haris Rauf bowled a tight over, conceding only three runs and claiming Short’s wicket. However, Maxwell continued his onslaught, executing a reverse-swept six off Shaheen Afridi and hammering Rauf for two sixes in a subsequent over.
Abbas Afridi eventually broke Maxwell’s rhythm, dismissing him and following it up with the wicket of Tim David in the same over. Yet, Marcus Stoinis’s fireworks in the final over, including a six and a four off Naseem, pushed Australia to an imposing 93/4.
Pakistan’s Struggles Begin Early in the Chase
In response, Pakistan’s chase ended up rocky despite opener Sahibzada Farhan hitting consecutive boundaries off Spencer Johnson. Johnson, however, struck back quickly, dismissing Farhan just two balls later. Pakistan’s struggles continued as Xavier Bartlett claimed Mohammad Rizwan on his first ball, reducing Pakistan to 16/3 within minutes.
Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett Devastate Pakistan’s Lineup
Nathan Ellis’s introduction only deepened Pakistan’s troubles. With a slower delivery, Ellis dismissed captain Babar Azam and sent Irfan Khan back to the pavilion for a two-ball duck. Bartlett and Ellis shared six wickets, leaving Pakistan reeling at 16/5.
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Abbas Afridi’s Late Strikes Too Little, Too Late
Abbas Afridi provided some resistance with a couple of powerful hits, but the result was certain by this stage. Pakistan concluded their innings at 64/9, falling 29 runs short.