Aus vs Pak, 1st T20I: Australia dominated Pakistan in the rain-affected opening T20I at the Gabba, securing a comfortable victory by 37 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. A rain delay reduced the match to just seven overs per side, but Australia’s total of 93/4 proved too much for Pakistan, who struggled to keep up with the required run rate throughout their chase.
Australia come out on top after the seven-over shootout! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/88hjkdEtA3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 14, 2024
Maxwell’s Explosive Batting Set The Tone
After Pakistan opted to bowl first, Australia made a fast start. Jake Fraser-McGurk came out aggressive, dispatching Shaheen Afridi for two boundaries in the opening over. Matthew Short added a six to end the over on a high, and while Fraser-McGurk fell early to a catch at cover, Glenn Maxwell took charge with some sensational strokeplay.
Maxwell wasted no time in attacking, using the reverse scoop to perfection and slamming Naseem Shah for four boundaries. With the score already at 33 in just two overs, Pakistan thought they had stemmed the tide when Haris Rauf bowled a brilliant over, conceding just three runs and dismissing Short.
Maxwell Dominates Again With Two Sixes Off Rauf
However, Maxwell was not to be denied. He reverse swept Shaheen Afridi for a six over third man before taking Rauf on again, dispatching him for two massive sixes in an over. Just when it looked like Maxwell was about to take the game away from Pakistan, Abbas Afridi finally dismissed him, along with Tim David in the same over.
Marcus Stoinis then put the finishing touches on Australia’s total. In the final over from Naseem Shah, Stoinis struck a boundary, followed by a six and a four to help Australia reach an imposing 93/4.
Pakistan’s Response Falters Under Pressure
Chasing 94, Pakistan’s reply got off to a rocky start. Sahibzada Farhan’s back-to-back boundaries off Spencer Johnson were quickly undone when Johnson got his revenge, dismissing Farhan just two balls later. Xavier Bartlett then struck with his first delivery, sending Mohammad Rizwan back with a leading edge caught at backward point.
Pakistan’s woes continued as Usman Khan was dismissed for a wild swing, leaving them at 16/3.
Pace Trio Dismantle Pakistan’s Top Order
The Pakistani batting lineup was further decimated by Nathan Ellis, who took the key wickets of Babar Azam and Irfan Khan in quick succession. Ellis bowled his trademark slower delivery to dismiss Babar Azam, while Irfan Khan fell for a duck, caught off a mistimed shot. Pakistan were reeling at 16/5, and the chase was as good as over.
Late Resistance By Abbas Afridi
While Abbas Afridi tried to fight back with some big hits, it was too little, too late. Pakistan’s chase ended at just 56/8, giving Australia a comprehensive victory. The match highlighted the importance of powerful individual performances, with Glenn Maxwell’s explosive batting and Australia’s disciplined pace attack stealing the show.
Brief scores: Australia 93/4 in 7 overs (Glenn Maxwell 43, Marcus Stoinis 21*; Abbas Afridi 2/9) beat Pakistan 64/9 in 7 overs (Abbas Afridi 20; Nathan Ellis 3/9, Xavier Bartlett 3/13) by 29 runs.
