Western Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman showcased remarkable resilience in his international debut, bouncing back from a challenging start to play a key role in Australia's bowling effort against Pakistan in the first T20 match in Lahore.
From BBL Glory to International Debut
Just four days after helping lead the Perth Scorchers to a Big Bash League championship, the 20-year-old from Dunsborough earned his first cap in Australian colours. Beardman was one of three debutants for Australia in the opening match of the three-game series against Pakistan.
A Nightmare Beginning
Beardman's first delivery in international cricket could hardly have gone worse. Pakistan's Saim Ayub flicked a length ball off his pads, sending it soaring 71 metres over deep square leg for a massive six. The young quick nearly claimed his maiden international wicket three balls later when a catch narrowly evaded a diving Cam Green at mid-off, but ultimately conceded 13 runs from his opening over.
The Remarkable Turnaround
After giving up eight runs in his second over, Beardman returned with renewed focus for his third spell. In the 17th over of the innings, he conceded just four singles, applying crucial pressure during the death overs. The Australian selectors showed their faith in the debutant by entrusting him with the final over of Pakistan's innings.
Beardman delivered spectacularly, claiming his first international wicket when Shadab Khan skied an easy catch to Green at long-on. He followed this immediately with his second scalp the very next ball, as Shaheen Shah Afridi holed out to deep backward square leg. His hat-trick ball was unfortunately a no-ball that was steered past the wicketkeeper for four runs.
Impressive Bowling Figures
The Western Australian finished with figures of 2-33 from his four overs, playing a significant part in restricting Pakistan to 8-168 after the hosts had threatened to post a total approaching 200. His performance complemented an outstanding display from veteran leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who recorded 4-24 - the third-best figures of his 109-match international career.
A Rapid Rise to Prominence
Prior to this summer, Beardman had played only two professional T20 matches, making his rapid ascent to international cricket particularly impressive. He joined Xavier Bartlett and fellow debutant Jack Edwards in Australia's pace attack, bringing his tally to 13 wickets at an average of 22.38 for the season.
His contribution to the Perth Scorchers' BBL championship was particularly notable, where he helped dismantle the Sydney Sixers' tail in the final. Beardman has long been regarded as a future star, having played a key role in Australia's 2024 Under-19 World Cup victory and earning selection in the Prime Minister's XI to face India during the 2024-25 summer.
The young quick's ability to recover from a difficult start and deliver under pressure in his international debut suggests a bright future for Australian cricket's latest pace prospect.
