Australia vs Pakistan Twenty20 live updates: Injured Maxwell out of action; Australia in control after Pakistan collapse

In the thrilling Twenty20 (T20) match between Australia and Pakistan, the game has taken an unexpected turn, with crucial moments shaping the outcome. Australia have gained control after Pakistan’s sudden collapse, as the latest updates are full of drama. However, the match also saw some unfortunate news for the Australian team, with star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out of the field due to an injury.

Maxwell injured and out of the field

The biggest issue of the match is Glenn Maxwell’s injury. The Australian all-rounder, known for his explosive batting and sharp fielding, had to be ruled out of the game after suffering an injury in the early stages. This loss is a blow for the Australian team, as Maxwell’s presence often changes the game both with the bat and in the field. His injury has raised questions over his participation in future matches, with fans hoping for his speedy recovery.

Maxwell, who was in great form before this match, was seen limping off the field after an awkward movement during the warm-up. Although the nature of his injury has not been fully disclosed, early reports suggest it could be a muscle strain. His absence creates a void in Australia’s middle order and fielding department, but the team has shown resilience in moving forward without him.

Australia gain control after Pakistan collapse

Despite Maxwell’s injury, Australia gained control of the match after Pakistan’s dramatic collapse. Pakistan, who got off to a strong start with some solid batting in the beginning, struggled against Australia’s fast bowling attack. Key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who are usually reliable in T20 matches, fell early to well-timed deliveries from the Australian bowlers.

Australia’s bowlers, led by star pacer Mitchell Starc, kept the pressure on Pakistan throughout the innings. Starc, along with Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, took regular wickets and devastated the Pakistani batting line-up. Pakistan’s middle order failed to find any rhythm, while Australia’s disciplined bowling made it difficult for the Pakistani batsmen to settle down. Pakistan’s once-promising innings collapsed in the blink of an eye, leaving them with a challenging score to defend.

Key moments of the game

• Australia’s strong bowling performance:

Mitchell Starc’s pace and Adam Zampa’s spin played a key role in Pakistan’s collapse. Starc’s ability to swing the ball both ways and Zampa’s variety in the middle overs limited Pakistan’s scoring options.

• Pakistan’s weak top order:

Despite a good start from their top order, Pakistan’s inability to convert the start into a big score was a major reason for their collapse. Pakistani captain Babar Azam got out cheaply, and his dismissal led to a number of quick wickets falling.

• Australia’s batting strategy:

Australia’s batting remained steady after Pakistan’s innings collapse. Led by key players like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Aaron Finch, Australia looked to chase down the modest target with ease. The team focused on building partnerships and rotating the strike while avoiding unnecessary risks.

What’s next for both teams?

With Australia in control, the match now depends on Pakistan’s ability to bowl Australia out or restrict them to a low score. The Aussies would want to finish the game without any further complications, and even without Maxwell, they are confident of their strong batting and bowling lineup. For Pakistan, losing early wickets and the inability to build partnerships means they have a lot to do if they want to make a comeback. They will be heavily reliant on their bowlers to stop Australia from chasing the target and put pressure on the Australian batsmen.