LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan produced a blistering batting display at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday evening, posting a challenging total of 198 after opting to bat first in the second T20I of Australia’s tour.
The hosts will now back their bowlers to seal the three-match series ahead of T20I World Cup.
Salman Agha, Usman Khan power explosive innings
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.
Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz provides ferocious 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.
🔙-to-🔙 FOURS! Mohammad Nawaz keeps the momentum going 👏🏻
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/dw6BwCQQzy
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 31, 2026
Top order provides quick start
Openers Saim Ayub (23 off 11) and Sahibzada Farhan (5 off 5) started aggressively, adding 17 runs in just 1.4 overs before Farhan fell.
Ayub continued his attack but was dismissed lbw by Connolly. The early momentum, however, was firmly seized by the home side.
The chase ahead
Australia now faces a demanding chase of 199 under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The pitch has offered good value for shots, and with big hitters like Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green in their ranks, the contest is poised for a thrilling second half. Pakistan’s bowling attack, featuring Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmed, will aim to defend the total and square the series.
