Glenn Maxwell leads Australia to dominant T20 victory over Pakistan
Glenn Maxwell found some form at just the right time, belting Australia to a badly needed win over Pakistan in Brisbane.
An explosive knock from Glenn Maxwell has guided Australia to a badly needed 29-run win over Pakistan in Thursday night’s opening Twenty20 International.
Coming off consecutive one-day defeats to the same opponents, dropping a home ODI series to Pakistan for the first time in 22 years, the Aussies were under pressure to fire to start the three-match T20 series.
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A result seemed unlikely when a fierce thunder and lightning storm lashed the Gabba, but the skies cleared in time for a seven-over match per side.
When Jake Fraser-McGurk fell for nine from five balls, Maxwell walked to the crease coming off scores of zero, 16 and zero in the ODI series.
But if the “Big Show” was feeling any nerves he didn’t show them as he reverse-swept the first ball he faced for four.
The commentators were struggling to explain the audacious shot from the veteran batter.
“Reverses, first ball, switches, call it what you want!” screamed Mark Howard on Fox Sports.
“Only Glenn Maxwell, with a four off his first ball.”
Usman Khawaja offered: “I don’t quite know how you describe that.”
David Warner then suggested: “That’s a man with a clear mind who knows exactly what he wants to do.”
Khawaja replied: “That is loose, that’s how I’d describe that.”
Warner then added: “If anyone says they know what’s going on in Glenn Maxwell’s mind, they’re kidding themselves.”
That was only the beginning for Maxwell, who eventually clubbed three sixes and five boundaries in his 19-ball 43 to take player of the match honours.
The 36-year-old played the key role, with Marcus Stoinis chipping in with 21 not out from just seven balls, as Australia set Pakistan 94 runs at more than 13 an over to continue the home side’s losing streak.
But the Pakistani’s were never in the hunt, losing regular wickets to finish on 9-64 from their seven overs.
Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis picked up three wickets apiece for Australia, while Abbas Afridi’s unbeaten 20 from 10 balls led the way for the tourists.
“The one-day series win for Pakistan brought some joy to all the people watching in Pakistan, what a terrific effort,” Warner said in the final over.
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“Not a good start in the T20 but two matches to go.”
The second match is in Sydney on Saturday night before the third takes place in Hobart on November 18.
Australia will then turn its attention to red ball cricket, facing India in the first match of the five-Test series in Perth on November 22.
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