In a rain-affected, high-intensity seven-over match at the Gabba, Australia clinched a 29-run victory over Pakistan. Glenn Maxwell’s explosive 43 off 19 balls laid the groundwork for Australia’s dominant performance, while Pakistan faltered under the pressure, crumbling to a disappointing 64 for nine. This thrilling encounter, shortened due to persistent rain and lightning, saw Maxwell and Australia outplay Pakistan with a strategic and aggressive approach from the very start.
Game Shortened by Weather Delays
Rain and lightning caused a three-hour delay, reducing the game to a seven-over-per-side showdown. Pakistan won the toss, and captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to bowl, hoping to capitalize on the unpredictable pitch conditions after the delay. However, Australia’s batters came in with a clear plan: to go after every delivery with maximum aggression, seizing boundaries at every opportunity.
Maxwell’s Explosive Performance
Australia’s innings kicked off with a flurry of boundaries. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over proved costly, as Maxwell unleashed his full range of shots, putting up 16 runs off Afridi’s deliveries. Although Haris Rauf initially troubled Maxwell with tight bowling, Maxwell quickly regained control, showcasing his innovative shots, including reverse slogs, to punish Pakistan’s pace attack.
Maxwell’s most notable moment came when he dispatched Afridi’s delivery over the third-man boundary for a spectacular six. Following this, Maxwell targeted Rauf, hitting 19 runs off his second over. Maxwell eventually fell to Abbas Afridi, but not before setting the tone for Australia’s innings. Tim David and Marcus Stoinis picked up the momentum, with Stoinis adding 20 runs in the final over off Naseem Shah, taking Australia’s total to 93 for four.
Pakistan’s Collapse in Response
Pakistan’s reply started with a promising start, as Sahibzada Farhan struck two boundaries in the first two balls. However, his quick dismissal marked the beginning of a disastrous batting collapse. Spencer Johnson dismissed Farhan just two balls later, and Pakistan’s top order began to unravel at an alarming rate.
Within 12 balls, Pakistan lost five wickets for only eight runs. Mohammad Rizwan fell to Xavier Bartlett without scoring, slicing a catch to backward point. Usman Khan followed soon after, lofting a catch to deep third man, continuing the trend of costly mistakes. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, who batted at number three, couldn’t stabilize the innings either, miscuing a shot off Nathan Ellis’s first ball to long-off, where he was comfortably caught.
Middle-Order Struggles and Final Resistance
The middle-order fared no better, as Irfan Khan joined Babar Azam in the pavilion just two balls later. Debutant Salman Ali Agha, serving as vice-captain, attempted to anchor the innings but skied a ball off Ellis, leaving Pakistan’s score in tatters. As wickets fell rapidly, Pakistan’s defeat seemed inevitable, even with a few overs remaining.
However, some semblance of resistance emerged in the fifth over, as Haseebullah Khan and Abbas Afridi managed to add 18 runs. Despite this brief reprieve, Pakistan’s tail continued to collapse, with Ellis claiming his third wicket by dismissing Haseebullah. Adam Zampa bowled the final over, during which Shaheen managed a defiant six over long-on. However, Zampa closed out the game fittingly by taking two wickets with his last two deliveries.
Australia’s Dominance Over Pakistan
The shortened format made for an action-packed match, but it was Australia’s controlled aggression and precise bowling that set them apart. Glenn Maxwell’s powerful start and Australia’s cohesive batting strategy ensured a competitive target, while their bowlers maintained relentless pressure on Pakistan from the beginning of the chase. Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis were instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup, taking three wickets each and preventing Pakistan from building any momentum.
Australia’s 29-run victory over Pakistan in this rain-affected seven-over clash underscores their ability to adapt and dominate in shortened formats. Glenn Maxwell’s exceptional knock and Australia’s disciplined bowling kept Pakistan at bay, showcasing Australia’s depth and resilience. This match highlighted the importance of seizing early opportunities and maintaining composure under pressure, elements Australia executed flawlessly while Pakistan struggled to contend with the aggressive onslaught.
