Glenn Maxwell’s explosive 43 off 19 balls, combined with a destructive bowling display, guided Australia to a comprehensive 29-run win over Pakistan in a rain-shortened first T20I at the Gabba on Thursday. After persistent rain reduced the match to seven overs per side, Australia posted a competitive 93/4, before Pakistan collapsed to just 64/9 in their chase.
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers initially kept things tight, with Haris Rauf forcing Maxwell to struggle early on. However, Maxwell soon found his rhythm, using the reverse slog and his powerful strokes to dispatch the bowlers to all parts. He smashed Shaheen Shah Afridi for a huge six over third man and continued to attack, taking 19 runs off Afridi’s second over. When Maxwell was dismissed, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis picked up the baton, with Stoinis’ 20* in the final over ensuring Australia finished with 93/4, a formidable total in the shortened format.
Pakistan’s response got off to a nightmare start, as Spencer Johnson dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for 8 off just four balls. That began a stunning collapse, with five wickets falling for just 8 runs in 12 balls. Xavier Bartlett (3-13) and Nathan Ellis (3-9) were the main architects of the collapse, removing key batters including Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. By the end of the fourth over, Pakistan were reeling at 24/6.
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Haseebullah Khan (12) and Abbas Afridi (20*) briefly tried to fight back, but the wickets kept tumbling. Adam Zampa wrapped up the innings with two wickets in the final over, leaving Pakistan stranded at 64/9.
Australia’s dominant all-round performance handed them a comfortable 29-run victory, and they now lead the three-match series 1-0.
Match Scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan, 1st T20I, Gabba, November 14, 2024
Australia 93/4 (Maxwell 43, Stoinis 21*; Abbas Afridi 2-9)
Pakistan 64/9 (Abbas Afridi 20*; Ellis 3-9, Bartlett 3-13)
Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs
