KEY POINTS
- Pakistan became second full-member nation to take all 10 wickets in T20I with spin.
- This was 10th instance overall in T20I history where spinners took every wicket.
- 90-run loss now Australia’s second-heaviest defeat, since 2005.
- This win is also Pakistan’s biggest victory margin over Australia in T20Is.
- Pakistan’s total of 198/5 is their highest-ever T20I score against Australia.
LAHORE, Pakistan: In a historic bowling performance, Pakistan’s spin attack took all ten Australian wickets to power a 90-run victory in the second T20I on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium, clinching the series and securing a unique place in the cricket record books.
Set a daunting target of 199, the Australian batting lineup was entirely dismantled by Pakistan’s spinners. This marked the tenth time in all T20I history where all wickets in an innings fell to spin.
More significantly, it was only the second such occurrence in a match between two full-member nations, with India being the first to accomplish this against the West Indies in 2022.
Pakistan’s victory thus places them in an exclusive club for a unique bowling achievement.
Australia’s second-heaviest defeat
The 90-run loss also marks Australia’s second-heaviest defeat by runs in men’s T20I history over the past two decades.
This result stands as their most significant margin of loss since their record 100-run defeat to England in 2005.
Australia’s most substantial defeat was by 100 runs against England in Southampton (2005), a record that still stands.
The recent 90-run loss to Pakistan in Lahore (2026) now ranks as their second-largest defeat. This is followed by losses of 89 runs to New Zealand in Sydney (2022) and 74 runs to the West Indies in Colombo (2012), rounding out the list of their most challenging matches by this margin.
The architects of the collapse
The spin charge was led masterfully by Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, each claiming three wickets.
Debutant Usman Tariq made a memorable impact with two scalps, while Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz contributed one wicket each.
This collective effort bundled out Australia for a mere 108 in 15.4 overs, showcasing a relentless and varied spin assault to which the visitors had no answer.
Batting prowess sets the stage
The historic bowling performance was built upon a formidable batting foundation. Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted their highest-ever T20I total against Australia, scoring 198/5.
Captain Salman Ali Agha blazed his way to a top-score of 76 from just 40 balls, ably supported by wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan’s 53 off 36.
Their partnership propelled Pakistan past their previous best of 194/7 against the same opponent.
Also Read: Pakistan Demolish Australia by 90 Runs to Clinch T20I Series After 7 Years
Victory of record proportions
The 90-run margin of victory itself set a new benchmark, becoming Pakistan’s biggest win over Australia in T20Is by runs, surpassing their previous 66-run triumph from 2018.
The comprehensive nature of the win, powered first by the bat and then sealed exclusively by the spinners, underscores a dominant all-round performance that has secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
New benchmark in T20 strategy
This match will be remembered not just for the series win, but for demonstrating the match-winning potential of a high-quality, multifaceted spin attack in the shortest format.
Pakistan’s ability to defend a large total using only spin has set a new tactical benchmark and provided immense confidence as they build towards future global tournaments.
