Glenn Maxwell’s dynamic performance propelled Australia to a formidable 93 in the rain-shortened first T20I of the three-match series against Pakistan at The Gabba on Thursday.
Due to rain, the match format was adjusted to seven overs per side, with a two-over powerplay. Each team had the option of two bowlers delivering two overs or three bowlers delivering one over each.
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and elected to field first. Australian openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short quickly racked up 16 runs in the opening over, bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan’s Naseem Shah claimed the first wicket by dismissing Fraser-McGurk for nine in his opening delivery. Despite Short’s early dismissal in the third over, Maxwell, batting at number three, took control of the game.
In the final over, Marcus Stoinis launched an assault on Naseem, adding 20 runs and boosting the total to 93/4. Stoinis remained not out with 21 from seven deliveries, featuring two fours and a six.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas secured two wickets, with Shaheen and Naseem collectively taking the other two.
Days earlier, Pakistan had achieved a milestone by winning the third ODI against Australia, securing the series 2-1— their first ODI series victory on Australian soil in 22 years.
Read: Pakistan Clinches Historic ODI Series Win in Australia After 22 Years
Pakistan was returning to the field for the first time since their disappointing performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where they exited in the group stage following losses to the United States and India.
Conversely, Australia entered this series following a decisive 3-0 victory over Scotland and a 1-1 series draw against England.
