Brisbane, November 14, 2024 – In a thrilling rain-affected T20I opener at the Gabba, Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by 29 runs, setting the tone for the three-match series.
The game, reduced to just seven overs per side due to inclement weather, saw Pakistan struggle in their chase after Australia set a challenging target.
After a delayed start, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. The decision initially paid off, with bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf dismissing both Australian openers for single-digit scores. Despite the early setback, Australia’s power hitters Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis capitalized on the limited overs format, delivering aggressive performances that pushed the team’s total to a formidable 93-4 off 42 balls.
Maxwell was in spectacular form, smashing 43 off just 19 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes, keeping Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure. Stoinis then took charge, contributing an unbeaten 21 off seven balls, hitting two fours and a six. Pakistan’s Abbas Afridi managed to pick up two wickets in his only over, but Australia’s score remained high, placing Pakistan on the back foot.
In response, Pakistan’s innings faltered quickly as they faced Australia’s well-coordinated bowling attack. Within 3.2 overs, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 24-6, with top-order batters struggling against Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis. Abbas Afridi put up a fight with 20 not out off 10 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Haseebullah Khan contributed 12 off 8 balls and Shaheen Shah Afridi managed 11 off 6. However, these efforts were not enough, and Pakistan could only reach 63-9 in their seven overs.
Australia’s bowlers excelled, with Bartlett and Ellis each taking three wickets, while Adam Zampa impressed with figures of 2-9. Their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding left Pakistan with no opportunity for recovery.
The match saw a strong show of power-hitting from Australia and a disciplined bowling display, setting the stage for an exciting series. Pakistan will look to bounce back in the second T20I, scheduled for November 16 in Sydney.
Key Highlights:
• Australia: 93-4 in 7 overs; Maxwell (43 off 19), Stoinis (21* off 7), Bartlett (3 wickets), Ellis (3 wickets).
• Pakistan: 63-9 in 7 overs; Abbas Afridi (20*), Haseebullah (12), Shaheen Afridi (11), Bartlett and Ellis (3 wickets each).
With Australia leading the series 1-0, both teams now head to Sydney for the next showdown, as Pakistan seeks to level the series.
