Australia Wins Rain Shortened Opening ODI Against Pakistan

Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday in their rain shortened One Day International.

Persistent rain and lightning delayed the start by nearly three hours and reduced the game to a seven-over shootout.

Glenn Maxwell, who struggled in the preceding ODI series, blasted his way through the innings with 43 off 19, before Pakistan slumped to 24 for 6 in the first four overs before finishing with 64 for 9.

Marcus Stoinis, 21 off 7 balls, also scored well as Australia made 93 for 4 in their seven overs.

Abas Afridi, 20, was one of only three Pakistani batters who got into double figures as Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis bagged three wickets apiece and Adam Zampa, two.

Australia has now taken a 1-0 lead in the five match series with game two set for Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.