Win Projections to be updated soon
Australia took a commanding 1-0 lead in the T20I series against Pakistan at the Gabba. Glenn Maxwell’s explosive batting and a strong performance from Australia’s pace attack secured the victory. The match was reduced to seven overs per side due to rain and lightning, but Australia managed to post a formidable total of 93/4. This total proved too much for Pakistan, who struggled throughout their chase.
Maxwell’s Heroics
Jake Fraser-McGurk opened the innings aggressively after Pakistan chose to bowl first. He hit consecutive boundaries off Shaheen Afridi in the first over. Matthew Short capped off that over with a six, setting a strong tone for Australia. Although Fraser-McGurk was dismissed early in the second over, Glenn Maxwell entered with intent. He utilized the reverse scoop effectively, smashing Naseem Shah for four boundaries as Australia raced to 33 runs in just two overs.
Maxwell continued his assault on the Pakistani bowlers. He reverse-swept Shaheen Afridi for a stunning six over third man. Later, he launched two sixes off Haris Rauf in one over, showcasing his aggressive style. Abbas Afridi eventually halted Maxwell’s innings, deceiving him with a slower delivery. However, Marcus Stoinis ensured Australia finished strong. In the final over bowled by Naseem Shah, he hit a boundary followed by another six and a four, helping Australia surpass 90 runs.
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Pakistan’s Struggles in Response
Pakistan began their chase with Sahibzada Farhan hitting back-to-back boundaries off Spencer Johnson. However, Johnson struck back quickly, dismissing Farhan just two balls later. Xavier Bartlett made an immediate impact by taking Mohammad Rizwan‘s wicket on his first ball. The situation worsened for Pakistan as Usman Khan fell shortly after.
The visitors found themselves at 16/3 and then quickly at 16/5 as Nathan Ellis took control. He dismissed Babar Azam with his trademark slower delivery, leaving Irfan Khan out for a duck on his second ball. At this point, the chase seemed all but over for Pakistan.
Despite the dire situation, Abbas Afridi managed to provide some entertainment with a couple of powerful shots late in the innings. However, it was not enough to change the outcome of the match as Australia secured a comfortable victory by 29 runs.
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