Brisbane: Australia seized a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series, defeating Pakistan by 29 runs in a rain-curtailed encounter in Brisbane.
The match, reduced to seven overs per side due to a three-hour rain delay, saw Australia bat first and post a formidable 93/4. Glenn Maxwell took charge with an explosive 43 off just 19 balls, while Marcus Stoinis hammered 21 runs off seven balls to push the hosts to a challenging total.
Pakistan’s bowlers put in a mixed performance, with Abbas Afridi standing out by taking two wickets for just nine runs in his over. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up a wicket each, though Shaheen Afridi went wicketless, conceding 25 runs in his two overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 94, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered early under the pressure, collapsing to 16/5. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan were both dismissed for ducks, while Babar Azam managed only three runs. A brief resistance from Abbas Afridi, who scored an unbeaten 20, and Haseebullah’s 12 were the only bright spots in Pakistan’s innings as they managed just 64/9 in their seven overs.
Australian bowlers kept Pakistan in check, with Nathan Ellis shining as he took three wickets for just nine runs, while Bret Linton also claimed three wickets, with Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson picking up one each.
This result follows Pakistan’s recent ODI series win over Australia, marking their first ODI series victory in Australia in 22 years.
