Pakistan spin Australia out in 90-run rout to seal T20I series
Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed celebrates after dismissing Australia’s Josh Inglis during the second T20 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday. Photo: X/ PCB
Pakistan secured an unbeaten 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Australia after a dominant all-round display handed the visitors a crushing 90-run defeat in the second T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Blistering half-centuries from captain Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan, followed by a ruthless spin bowling performance, powered Pakistan to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the final match scheduled at the same venue on Sunday.
Captain’s knock! Salman Ali Agha smashes Matthew Kuhnemann for 6️⃣,4️⃣,4️⃣🔥
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/RJPyVZGRA3Asked to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted an imposing 198 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Agha led from the front with a commanding 76 off 40 balls, striking four sixes and four boundaries to anchor the innings. He was well supported by Usman Khan, who compiled a composed 53 off 36 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan maintained momentum through the middle overs.
Usman Khan goes big! SIX over extra cover off Matthew Kuhnemann 🚀
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/d6e2UWNYwXSaim Ayub chipped in with 23, while Shadab Khan added a quick 28 as Pakistan finished strongly, setting Australia a daunting target of 199 runs.
In reply, Australia’s batting collapsed against Pakistan’s spinners, who “spun a web” on a turning Lahore surface. The visitors were bundled out for just 108 in 15.4 overs, never threatening the target.
📸 Shukriya Lahore 👏#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/OKgRaDRNHt
All-rounder Cameron Green was Australia’s top scorer with 35 off 20 balls, while Matthew Short made 27. Captain Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Castled! Saim Ayub strikes as Travis Head misses a low-bouncing delivery 🎯
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Er8LfzpTuEPakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan leading the attack with three wickets each. Usman Tariq claimed two scalps, while Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket apiece.
SERIES CLINCHED 💪
Pakistan register their biggest T20I win over Australia ✨#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/osfmkpMiVnPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the team on the feat.
"The cricket team won the hearts of fans by demonstrating splendid play. Hope this streak of victories will continue in the future as well."
Heartiest congratulations to our cricket team on their victory and phenomenal performance in the T20 series.
I commend the players, team management, and Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 for their dedication and outstanding efforts.
May this winning momentum continue.Both teams had made several changes ahead of the match. Pakistan brought in Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq, replacing Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza. Australia made four changes, including the return of skipper Mitchell Marsh alongside Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott and Matthew Kuhnemann.
Pakistan had already taken a 1-0 lead in the series after a spin-assisted 22-run victory in the first T20I, where Saim Ayub starred with an all-round performance.
Explosive 7️⃣6️⃣ from the skipper - @SalmanAliAgha1 is named player of the match 🌟#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/KZI7ZN8ay4
The series is serving as preparation for next month’s ICC T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, and Pakistan will be buoyed by their form as they head into the global tournament with growing confidence.
Playing XI
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