The first T20 International between Pakistan and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane has turned into a thrilling spectacle, albeit under challenging weather conditions. With rain reducing the match to just seven overs, the stakes were high from the get-go. Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that quickly proved to be a tactical masterstroke as they dismissed both Australian openers within the first three overs. However, the reduced overs meant that the remaining batters were determined to swing for the fences, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.
Glenn Maxwell sets the big show at the Gabba
As the match unfolded, it was Glenn Maxwell who captured the spotlight with his explosive batting. Coming in at a precarious 16/1 after just one over, Maxwell wasted no time in asserting his dominance over Pakistan’s bowlers. He began his innings with a boundary off Naseem Shah and quickly followed it up with a remarkable display of power hitting. One of the highlights was a spectacular switch-hit that cruised between the gully and point towards third man for four runs—an audacious shot that had fans buzzing across social media platforms.
Maxwell’s onslaught did not stop there; he continued to dismantle Pakistan’s bowling attack, amassing an impressive 16 runs in one over against Naseem, including four boundaries. His aggressive approach was infectious, and he showcased his ability to manipulate field placements hoicking and reverse hoicking Pakistan fast bowlers with ease. By the time he faced Shaheen Afridi, he had already established himself as a key player in this high-octane encounter.
Also READ: AUS vs PAK, 2024: Australia’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan
Here’s the video:
‘This is why people pay a lot of money to watch this guy bat’ #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/Zwab5Pnw3j
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 14, 2024
Maxwell dominates in the series opener against Pakistan
Maxwell’s innings reached new heights as he launched a massive six off Haris Rauf, further solidifying his status as a game-changer. His remarkable performance saw him score 43 runs off just 19 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes. As Australia raced to 93 runs by the end of their innings, it was clear that Maxwell was on track for a half-century before Abbas Afridi‘s well-executed bouncer claimed his wicket.
In response, Pakistan struggled significantly against Australia’s bowling attack. They were unable to build any substantial partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals, ultimately finishing their innings at 64 for 9 in the allotted seven overs. Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett were particularly effective with the ball, claiming three wickets each and restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. Australia secured victory by 29 runs, showcasing their dominance in this shortened format and highlighting Maxwell’s explosive capabilities as a key player in T20 cricket.