A 56 off only 38 balls by Glenn Maxwell has guided Australia to a three-wicket win and a series win against Pakistan.
Maxwell again impressed under pressure, looking in control, knocking the ball around for singles and knowing when to go big. It was a calculated and smart innings by the rookie.
The common denominator in Australia’s two wins in this series has been a contribution by Maxwell late in the game.
Whilst it’s only early in his career, Maxwell already looks like he has the temperament to follow in the footsteps of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as Australia’s ‘closer’ with the bat.
Maxwell aside, it was a mixed batting effort from Australia. David Warner struggled again, David Hussey and Michael Clarke both got starts.
It was the middle order who put Australia under pressure chasing Pakistan’s 244.
A rare failure from George Bailey and a painful 22 from Matthew Wade had Australia on the brink before a typical Mike Hussey knock and Maxwell’s Hussey-esque innings delivered Australia the match.
With a T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Australia will be concerned at the inability of some of their key strike weapons with the bat to get runs against the slower bowlers.
It was four wickets from Mitchell Starc which set up the game from Australia, following his five-for in the first match.
James Pattinson went wicket-less for 50 while Mitchell Johnson had his best performance of the series with 2/33 off nine.
Interestingly, Australia again opted to leave out Xavier Doherty and make use of Maxwell, D. Hussey and Clarke as the spinning options.
The focus on pace was a huge contrast to the Pakistan side, and must raise questions about Doherty’s future in the side.
All in all it was good series win for Australia. Some players stood up while other performances have raised more question marks.
The most pleasing aspect for mine was too see Australia get home in two pressure-filled, tight run chases with some different names (Maxwell and Bailey) guiding them to victory.
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