AUS vs PAK, 1st T20I: Maxwell fireworks too good for Pakistan in 7-over shootout
Australia, led by Josh Inglis, clinched a commanding victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected T20I series opener at The Gabba on November 14. With the match shortened to seven overs per side, Australia’s explosive batting performance, especially from Glenn Maxwell, set an insurmountable target, securing a dominant win by 29 runs and giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Although Australian openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk couldn’t sustain their initial aggression, Glenn Maxwell took charge at number three, delivering a spectacular display of big-hitting. Maxwell started with intent and quickly dismantled Pakistan’s bowlers, including top performers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. His powerful 43 off just 19 balls, combined with a quickfire, unbeaten 21 off seven balls from Marcus Stoinis, powered Australia to a formidable total of 93 runs at the end of their seven overs—an imposing target for Pakistan to chase.
AUS vs PAK, 1st T20I: Highlights
Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled under the pressure of the steep chase, as their attempts to go big from the outset fell short. None of Pakistan’s star players were able to form any significant partnerships. Australian bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis capitalized on this, intensifying the pressure with stellar performances. Bartlett took 3/13, and Ellis delivered an economical spell, claiming 3/9. Pakistan’s key players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan, who was dismissed for a duck, and Babar Azam, couldn’t produce the needed runs, leading to Pakistan’s eventual total of 64 for the loss of nine wickets by the end of seven overs.
Despite the shortened format, which added pressure to the chasing side, Pakistan’s inability to adapt and build steady partnerships was evident. They will need to address their batting shortcomings as they head to the second T20I in Sydney on November 16, where they will look to level the series and redeem themselves. With improvements needed, Pakistan will aim to bring their best game and adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness in the ongoing series.
