Australia Clinch T20 Series Against Pakistan

Grassroots Cricket|

Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss, aiming to seal the series following a dominant performance in the weather-shortened first match in Brisbane. Pakistan, making one change by bringing in Sufiyan Muqeem for Haseebullah, looked to bounce back.

The match began explosively, with Australian openers hammering Shaheen Afridi for 21 runs in the opening over.

However, Pakistan’s Haris Rauf turned the tide with a fiery spell, dismissing both Fraser-McGurk and captain Josh Inglis in his first over. Haris Rauf became the highest wicket-keeper for Pakistan in T20Is. Debutant Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a pivotal blow by removing Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s hero from the first T20.

Haris Rauf’s five wicket haul was complemented by Abbas Afridi’s brilliant three-wicket haul and Sufiyan Muqeem’s two scalps. The hosts were restricted to 147 runs but were aided by Pakistan’s poor fielding, as seven catches were put down.

Chasing 148, Pakistan faltered against the raw pace and precision of Spencer Johnson, who tore through their lineup with a sensational five-wicket haul. Despite a valiant half-century from Usman Khan, who notched his maiden T20I fifty, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships. Their star duo, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, failed to deliver as well.

With 16 runs needed off the final over, Pakistan’s chase ended in heartbreak as a run-out sealed their innings at 143, handing Australia a 13-run victory and a series win.

 

Scores in berief:

Australia: 147/9 (Matt Short 32; Spencer Johnson 5/26)

Pakistan: 134 (Usman Khan 52; Haris Rauf 4/22)

 

Australia won by 13 runs