Lahore: Pakistan secured a historic T20 series victory over Australia after seven years, defeating the visitors by 90 runs in the second T20 International at Lahore on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 199 runs, the Australian team was bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs, failing to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
For Australia, Cameron Green top-scored with 35 runs, while Matthew Short made 27. Captain Mitchell Marsh scored 18, while Travis Head was dismissed for just four runs, bowled by Saim Ayub. Josh Inglis managed five runs before returning to the pavilion.
Pakistan’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claiming three wickets each. Usman Tariq picked up two wickets, while Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 198 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss.
Captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front, smashing a brilliant 76 off 40 balls, while Usman contributed 53 runs. Saim Ayub scored 23, and Shadab Khan added 28 runs to strengthen the total.
For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Sean Abbott, and Cooper Connolly picked up one wicket each.
At the toss, Salman Ali Agha announced that he would bat at number three and revealed three changes in the playing XI, saying the team aimed to post a big total against Australia.
He added that Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Mirza were rested, while Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, and Usman Tariq were included in the lineup.
It is worth noting that Pakistan had earlier won the first T20 by 22 runs, sealing the series with a 2-0 lead. The final T20 match will be played on Sunday.