Pakistan Collapses in Gabba

Grassroots Cricket|

In a rain-affected opening T20 match at the Gabba, Pakistan and Australia battled it out in a shortened format, with each side playing just 7 overs and 2 overs of powerplay. After a delayed start, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Australia’s innings began shakily, with both openers dismissed cheaply. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each struck in their opening overs.

However, Glenn Maxwell soon stole the spotlight, unleashing a fiery knock of 43 off just 19 balls. Abbas Afridi eventually dismissed Maxwell, along with Tim David in the same over.

Australia finished their 7 overs at a strong 93 for 4, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 94.

Pakistan’s regular opening pair did not start the innings as Rizwan and Sahibzada Farhan opened, but Farhan fell early, caught at midwicket in the very first over. Soon after, the much-anticipated partnership of Babar and Rizwan also fell short, with Nathan Ellis delivering a game-changing over in the third. He dismissed both Babar and Irfan Khan.

Despite a brief show from the tailenders, Pakistan’s scoring never gained the momentum needed. Abbas Afridi emerged as Pakistan’s top scorer with a 20 not out off 10 balls.

Australia won the match by 29 runs restricting Pakistan to 64 with 9 wickets down

Australia now leads the series 1-0, leaving Pakistan with plenty to reconsider.

 

Scores in brief:

Australia: 93/4 (Maxwell 43; Ellis 3/9)

Pakistan: 64/9 (Abbas 20*; Abbas 2/9)

Australia won by 29 runs

Player of the match: Glen Maxwell 43 (19)