Mon Nov 18 11:34:19 UTC 2024: ## Australia Completes T20 Whitewash Over Pakistan, Maxwell Injured
**Hobart, Australia –** Australia secured a resounding 7-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third and final T20I, completing a clean sweep of the series. However, the win was marred by a hamstring injury to star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who limped off the field during fielding. The injury is suspected to be low-grade and should allow him sufficient recovery time before the Big Bash League begins in December.
Pakistan, missing captain Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah, were bowled out for a paltry 117 runs in the 18th over. Aaron Hardie led the Australian bowling attack with a career-best 3/21, while Adam Zampa’s economical spell of 2/11 further stifled the Pakistani batting line-up. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 41 runs. Spencer Johnson, who recently achieved the best T20I figures by an Australian fast bowler at the SCG, finished the series as the leading wicket-taker with eight scalps.
Despite losing early wickets – Matthew Short (2) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (18) – Australia chased down the target with ease, thanks largely to Marcus Stoinis’ unbeaten 61 off 27 balls. Stoinis’ impressive knock included five fours and five sixes, one of which cleared the members’ stand. The victory marks Australia’s first T20 series sweep against Pakistan.
The match wasn’t without its off-field issues. Technical problems with the Ticketek website caused lengthy queues outside the ground. Furthermore, Pakistan had to address media reports regarding the alleged sacking of their red-ball and interim white-ball coach, Jason Gillespie.
Australia now shifts its focus to the upcoming first Test against India, starting this Friday.
First Piper 