SPORTS

Maxwell, Bartlett, and Ellis Shine as Australia Clinches 29-Run Win Over Pakistan in Rain-Shortened T20 Clash

A stunning performance from Glenn Maxwell and bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis powers Australia to a 29-run victory in a rain-affected T20I opener against Pakistan!
2024-11-14
Maxwell, Bartlett, and Ellis Shine as Australia Clinches 29-Run Win Over Pakistan in Rain-Shortened T20 Clash

Australia triumphed over Pakistan by 29 runs in a thrilling seven-overs-a-side T20I series opener in Brisbane on Thursday. The game, delayed due to heavy rain and lightning, saw Australia’s veteran Glenn Maxwell light up the Gabba with an electrifying 43 off 19 balls, leading his team to 93-4 in their limited innings.

After the explosive start, Australia’s bowling attack—led by Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis, each claiming three wickets—proved too formidable for Pakistan’s batting lineup, who faltered to 64-9 under the floodlights.

Maxwell’s heroics, featuring four boundaries in his first six balls and a powerful six off Haris Rauf, pushed Australia to an imposing total despite several top players absent ahead of the upcoming Test series against India. Marcus Stoinis added a final flourish with an unbeaten 21 off just seven deliveries.

Pakistan’s response started strong with opener Sahibzada Farhan’s consecutive boundaries off Spencer Johnson, but his early dismissal sparked a collapse. Pakistan lost their star batters, including captain Mohammad Rizwan for a duck, and talisman Babar Azam, who managed only three runs before holing out.

Bartlett and Ellis, returning to the side after recent injuries, bowled with precision and aggression, effectively dismantling Pakistan’s chase. Abbas Afridi’s late cameo, scoring 20 off 10 balls, could not revive Pakistan’s innings.

The series now shifts to Sydney on Saturday, with Pakistan eager to bounce back in the three-match series.