Australia swept to victory with six overs to spare in Sunday’s Twenty20 against Pakistan and declared their aim to keep a “foot on the throat” of their opponents during the teams’ upcoming one-day and Test series.
Offspinner Glenn Maxwell took 3-13 off three overs and debutant leggie Cameron Boyce claimed 2-10 off four overs as Pakistan posted a modest tally of 9-96 after choosing to bat first on a Dubai pitch taking turn from the first over of the night.
Debutants Kane Richardson (1-13) and Sean Abbott (1-17) were also solid performers for Australia.
In reply, Australia lost the early wickets of skipper Aaron Finch (5), Maxwell (17 off 10 balls) and Steve Smith (3) before debutant Phil Hughes (six) fell at 4-56.
Left-hander David Warner took charge, reaching his half-century off 38 balls with a switch-hit for six over mid-wicket.
Warner celebrated by rocking his arms in a cradling motion, having become a father last month to daughter Ivy Mae.
The opener finished unbeaten on 53 off 39 deliveries and shared a 41-run stand with James Faulkner (seven not out) in Australia’s 4-97 off 14 overs.
The teams now head into the first of three one-day internationals on Tuesday in Sharjah, followed by two Tests.
Maxwell says Australia are determined to do to Pakistan what India did to Australia on their 2013 Test tour, which resulted in a 4-0 sweep for the home side.
“That’s what we were aiming to do tonight, to really put our front foot forward and basically put a dent in Pakistan and make it harder for them to come back for the rest of the time we’re here,” said Maxwell, who was named man of the match.
“To start a series like that where it’s a really dominating win with six overs left is a great way to start a tour.
“If you can keep your foot on the throat the whole way through the tour and basically stay on the opposition the whole way through, it just shows what you’re really here to do.
“Going back to the India tour where India just basically stood on us the whole way through that series and it was tough to come back from.
“Hopefully we can do that to Pakistan and go home with six wins.”
Maxwell praised Boyce’s “super debut”.
“To perform like that on the big stage, in your first international game is a super effort,” Maxwell said.
“He was landing them and spinning them and showcasing his full skill.”
Maxwell opened the bowling for Australia and claimed two wickets in his second over en route to his career-best figures of 3-13.
“I wasn’t expecting them to fall to spin, especially my spin. I haven’t taken a lot of wickets in T20 cricket,” he said.
