Pakistan's spinners rattle Australia to seal T20I series

Pakistan crushed Australia by 90 runs in the second Twenty20 International to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, as their spinners delivered a dominant performance in Lahore on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 199, Australia struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack and lost wickets at regular intervals.

The visitors were bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs, never threatening to mount a serious challenge.

Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with 35, while Matthew Short added 27, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to cope with sustained pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers.

Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan led the charge for Pakistan, claiming three wickets each.

Usman Tariq chipped in with two, while Saeem Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz took one apiece to complete the collapse.

The emphatic victory sealed the series 2-0 in Pakistan’s favour, marking their first T20I series win over Australia in seven years and underlining the hosts’ dominance in all departments.

Earlier, Pakistan set Australia a challenging target of 199 runs.   

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first, a decision that paid off as the hosts posted 198 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

Pakistan’s innings got off to an unconvincing start,  with opener Sahibzada Farhan departing early for five.

However, Saim Ayub injected early momentum with a brief but aggressive knock, scoring 23 off just 11 deliveries.

Captain Salman Ali Agha then anchored the innings with a composed and fluent display, striking 76 off 40 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.

His innings laid the foundation for Pakistan to post a formidable total on a lively surface.

Former captain Babar Azam struggled to make an impact and was dismissed for two, but wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan played a vital supporting role, compiling a brisk 52 off 35 balls to keep the scoreboard moving.

Pakistan accelerated in the closing overs through Shadab Khan, who remained unbeaten on 29, while Mohammad Nawaz added a late flourish with nine runs off just three deliveries to further boost the run rate.

Australia’s Adam Zampa was the most economical bowler on the night, while the remaining wickets were shared among different members of the Australian attack.

 Once Pakistan’s innings had earlier progressed to 89 for three in nine overs before Saeem Ayub (23), Sahibzada Farhan (5) and former captain Babar Azam (2) were dismissed, putting pressure on the middle order before Agha steadied the innings.

Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the second T20I, bringing in Usman Tariq, Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza and Fakhar Zaman were rested.

Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0, having defeated Australia by 26 runs in the opening match.
 

TEAMS

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Short, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott