KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s spinners dismantled Australia for 108 to secure a 90-run victory.
- Captain Salman Agha’s explosive 76 powered Pakistan to a formidable total of 198/5.
- Australia’s top order collapsed to 29/3 early in chase, never recovering from early setbacks.
- The win gives Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 series lead ahead of the final T20I tomorrow.
LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, crushing Australia by a massive 90 runs to seal the three-match T20I series with one game to spare. This was Pakistan’s first T20I series victory against Australia in seven years.
After posting a formidable 198, the Pakistani bowlers dismantled the visitors for a paltry 108 in just 15.4 overs.
Bowlers run riot as Australia crumble
Chasing a daunting target of 199, Australia’s innings never gained momentum. The Pakistani spin trio orchestrated a spectacular collapse.
Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was the chief destroyer, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his 3 overs, including the crucial scalps of captain Mitchell Marsh (18) and Josh Inglis.
All-rounder Shadab Khan provided impeccable support, claiming 3 for 26 with his leg-breaks, while debutant Usman Tariq capped off a memorable night with 2 wickets for 16 runs.
Top order falters under early pressure
The Australian chase derailed from the outset. After a brisk start from Marsh, Saim Ayub struck with his part-time spin to remove the dangerous Travis Head for 4.
Abrar Ahmed then took centre stage, trapping Marsh and Inglis in quick succession to reduce Australia to 29 for 3.
Cameron Green offered brief resistance with a 20-ball 35, but his dismissal to Usman Tariq effectively ended any fleeting hope of a comeback.
Earlier, Pakistan produced a blistering batting display, posting a challenging total of 198 after opting to bat first.
Captain Salman Agha led from the front with a spectacular 40-ball 76, smashing 8 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 190.
He was ably supported by wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, who scored a fluent 52 off 35 balls.
Their 49-run partnership for the fourth wicket rebuilt the innings after a brief stumble and set the stage for a fierce finish.
All-rounder Shadab Khan provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 29 off just 21 balls, including two sixes.
His quickfire partnership with Usman Khan added 63 runs, before Mohammad Nawaz smashed two boundaries in the final over to push Pakistan to the brink of the 200-mark.
The final five overs yielded 59 runs, putting immense pressure on the Australian bowling attack.
Australian bowlers struggle for control
The Australian bowlers found it difficult to contain the rampant Pakistani batters on a true Lahore pitch.
Xavier Bartlett was the most expensive, conceding 52 runs in 3.6 overs, though he picked up the crucial wicket of Usman Khan.
Spinner Adam Zampa was the most economical with figures of 4-0-27-1, dismissing the dangerous Babar Azam for just 2.
Cooper Connolly and Matthew Kuhnemann claimed a wicket each, but the visitors will need a much-improved performance with the ball in the remaining games.
Series secured, focus shifts to finale
With an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Pakistan has claimed a decisive victory ahead of the T20 World Cup next month. The win underscores their strength at home and provides significant momentum.
The third and final T20I will be played at the same venue tomorrow, offering Australia a chance to salvage pride while Pakistan will look to complete a clean sweep.
