SYDNEY: Australia defeated Pakistan by 13 runs in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan, set a target of 148, were bowled out for 134 in 19.4 overs despite a fighting half-century from Usman Khan.
The visitors struggled early in their chase, losing Babar Azam (3) and Sahibzada Farhan (5) within the first three overs, leaving them reeling at 17-2.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan (16 off 26) attempted to steady the innings alongside Usman Khan, but the partnership added only 27 runs before Spencer Johnson dismissed Rizwan in the 10th over.
Johnson continued his lethal spell, ending with match-winning figures of 5-26, including key wickets of Salman Ali Agha (0) and Abbas Afridi.
Usman Khan was the standout batter for Pakistan, scoring a well-compiled 52 off 38 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six.
Irfan Khan contributed an unbeaten 37 off 28, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure as Pakistan fell 13 runs short.
Adam Zampa was also instrumental for Australia, taking 2-19, including the dismissals of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Earlier, Australia, opting to bat first, got off to a flying start with openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (20 off 9) and Matthew Short (32 off 17) hammering Pakistan’s pacers for 48 runs in the first three overs.
However, Haris Rauf’s introduction turned the tide as he struck twice in his first over, dismissing Fraser-McGurk and skipper Josh Inglis (0).
Abbas Afridi further dented Australia’s progress, reducing them to 56-3 in five overs by removing Short.
While Glenn Maxwell (21) and Marcus Stoinis (14) tried to rebuild, Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed both batters in successive overs.
Haris Rauf, who finished with 4-22, returned to claim the wickets of Tim David (18) and Xavier Bartlett (5), while Abbas Afridi excelled at the death with figures of 3-17.
Despite their aggressive start, Australia managed 147-9 in 20 overs, a total that proved enough thanks to Johnson’s brilliance with the ball.
Spencer Johnson’s five-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in Australia’s victory. With this win, Australia has secured the series, leaving Pakistan with only the third match to restore some pride.
