LAHORE – Pakistan delivered jaw-dropping performance, dismantling Australia by a massive 90 runs in the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, securing their first series triumph over the visitors in eight years.
With the series now locked at 2-0, Pakistan only needs one more win to complete a memorable whitewash, setting the stage for a festive finale on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting 199, Australia’s batting lineup crumbled spectacularly, all but capitulating under Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack. Cameron Green battled valiantly, scoring 35 off just 20 balls, while Matthew Short chipped in with 27 from 23 deliveries. Beyond these, only captain Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) reached double figures. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan spearheaded Pakistan’s lethal attack with three wickets each, complemented by Usman Tariq’s two and crucial support from Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan’s innings had already sent a statement of intent. After losing Sahibzada Farhan early for five, captain Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub resurrected the innings with a fearless 55-run partnership. Ayub fell for 23 off 11 balls, and then drama struck when Babar Azam was dismissed for just two by Adam Zampa, leaving Pakistan precariously placed at 76/3 in 7.1 overs.
Agha, however, refused to let the innings falter. He blazed his way to a scintillating 76 from 40 balls, laced with eight fours and four sixes, marking his sixth T20I half-century off only 25 deliveries. He stitched a crucial 49-run stand with Shadab Khan before Sean Abbott finally broke the partnership.
Usman Khan then unleashed his fury at number five, smashing a brisk 52 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His 63-run partnership with Shadab Khan (28 off 20) and Mohammad Nawaz’s quick cameo of 10 off four balls helped Pakistan post a near-unassailable total of 198/5.
Australia’s bowlers were left helpless, with Bartlett, Kuhnemann, Zampa, Connolly, and Abbott claiming just one wicket each. Pakistan’s dominance was clear from start to finish, turning the second T20I into a masterclass of aggressive cricket.
The rivalry between these two cricketing giants is fierce. Across 29 T20Is, Australia holds a slight edge with 14 wins to Pakistan’s 13, but Pakistan’s back-to-back victories have now tilted the balance.
With this win, Pakistan not only secures the series but also ramps up confidence ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Australia, meanwhile, are left reeling, facing mounting pressure after a series of recent setbacks, including a humbling home defeat to India.
Gaddafi Stadium witnessed cricketing fireworks today, and the final T20I promises to be a celebration of Pakistan’s sensational form and dominance over the Aussies!
Pakistan vs Australia
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah and Usman Tariq.
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnemann and Adam Zampa.
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