Glenn Maxwell’s explosive 43 off 19 balls guided Australia to a commanding total of 93-4, as they defeated Pakistan by 29 runs in a rain-impacted T20I opener at Brisbane on Thursday.
The match was reduced to seven overs per side after a lengthy delay due to storms. Despite the shortened format, Maxwell’s quick-fire innings set the tone for Australia, while Pakistan’s chase faltered under pressure, finishing at 64-9.
Pakistan’s bowlers, including Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, struggled to contain the Australian batting onslaught. Maxwell’s brilliant strokeplay, including a massive six off Rauf, put Australia on the front foot before he was dismissed in the sixth over. Marcus Stoinis provided late fireworks, scoring 21 off just seven balls to finish the innings.
In reply, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed under the pressure of Australia’s quick bowlers, with Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett each taking three wickets. Pakistan’s top order crumbled early, with Rizwan falling for a duck and Babar Azam dismissed cheaply. Despite Abbas Afridi’s unbeaten 20, Pakistan never threatened Australia’s total.
Maxwell, reflecting on the unusual conditions, remarked, “We almost had our bags packed because we thought we wouldn’t get a game in. We certainly had a lot of fun out there.”
The series continues at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, with the final match in Hobart on Monday.
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