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Australian skipper Josh Inglis credited his bowlers for the dominant 29-run victory that helped them take a lead in the three-match series.
Australian bowlers managed to take nine wickets in seven overs of the 1st T20I. (Image: AP)
Australia put up an enthralling bowling show to thrash Pakistan in the T20I series opener at The Gabba on Thursday, November 14. With the rain playing a spoilsport, the match was reduced to seven overs per side. Australia batted first and set a hefty target of 94 runs.
Coming to chase, Pakistan faced a batting collapse. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan each returned with a duck while only three players managed double-digit scores. The visitors ultimately wrapped up their innings at 64, losing nine wickets along the way. Australian skipper Josh Inglis credited his bowlers for the dominant 29-run victory that helped them take a lead in the three-match series.
Several first-team stars like Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins have skipped this T20I series for their preparation for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Australian bowling unit was spearheaded by Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis in the opening game in Brisbane. The duo claimed a three-wicket haul in their respective spells while Adam Zampa fetched two scalps in one over.
Pakistan had lost as many as five wickets in the first three overs and these early blows certainly made the job easier for the hosts. Josh Inglis feels those early wickets were necessary to put pressure on the visiting unit during the chase.
“It’s 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. 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 said in the post-match press conference.
Glenn Maxwell was the top performer for Australia with the bat. After the hosts lost their openers early, Maxwell stepped up with a blistering 43-run knock. He smashed five boundaries and three sixes off 19 deliveries. Marcus Stoinis also chipped in with an impactful cameo. The Aussie all-rounder faced only seven deliveries and scored an unbeaten 21, hitting two fours and a six.
Pakistan will be desperate to turn things around in the second T20I, slated to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on November 16.
