Glenn Maxwell goes big at Gabba as Australia crush Pakistan in 1st T20I

Glenn Maxwell starred for Australia in the first T20I against Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane, hitting a blistering 19-ball 43. Batting first in the game that got reduced to seven overs per side due to rain interruption, Australia scored 93 for four, with ‘Big Show’ Maxwell whacking all bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, reverse sweeping for boundaries. Marcus Stoinis’ last-over heroics (21* off seven balls) propelled Australia to a massive first-innings total.

'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

“(It’s) certainly had a lot of fun out there. To get the opportunity to bat for an over in the Powerplay was great fun. There was a little bit of tack in the wicket," he said.

Pakistan failed to get going in the chase, losing five wickets inside the first 15 balls, including captain Mohammad Rizwan (0) and Babar Azam (3).

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In the absence of first-team players, who are out training for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the pace trio of Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, and Nathan Ellis put Pakistan’s back against the wall.

With the revised playing conditions restricting only two bowlers to bowl a maximum of two overs, the hosts utilised their pacers upfront, with Ellis and Bartlett picking three wickets each. Adam Zampa also returned with two wickets in his last over, as Australia defended 94, winning the match by 29 runs.

“(The) bowlers did a great job. Few of us had packed our bags expecting the game to be called off. Credit to the guys. The two opening batters did a great job. From there, the batters came out there with the intent to clear the ropes,” Player of the Match Maxwell said.

Australia’s stand-in T20I captain, Josh Inglis, acknowledged his team’s performance following the ODI series loss.

“Really nice. At times tonight, we didn't think we would get a game. We did a great job - nice to get that first win. There's been a lot of noise around that last week (ODI series loss). All the bowlers were great tonight."

“Helps with Xavier and Spencer playing a lot of T20 cricket at the Gabba. Taking early wickets in short chases is crucial,” Inglis added.

Meanwhile, the SCG in Sydney will host the second T20I on Saturday (November 16).

(With inputs from agencies)