Pakistan secured a historic T20I series triumph against Australia, defeating the hosts by 90 runs in the second match on Saturday.
This came as Pakistan’s first T20 series win against the Aussies in seven years, dating back to the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led victory in the UAE in October 2018.
The match ended with a symbolic flourish as Australia’s final batter, Matthew Kuhnemann, edged a delivery from mystery spinner Usman Tariq to first slip. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who had earlier set the tone with the bat, pouched the catch comfortably to wrap up the Australian innings for a paltry 108 in 15.4 overs.
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Chasing a formidable target of 199, Australia never found their footing. The visitors created history as their spin attack claimed all 10 wickets—a first for Pakistan in international T20s.
Leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan were the chief destroyers, claiming three wickets each. Usman Tariq picked up two, while Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub took one apiece.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding 198 for 5. Despite losing Sahibzada Farhan early, Captain Salman Ali Agha led a counter-attack, stitching a rapid 50-run stand off just 21 balls with Saim Ayub (23 off 11). Even after Ayub’s departure, Salman continued the onslaught, blasting 76 off 40 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes.
After Salman fell in the 13th over, Usman Khan (53 off 36) and Shadab Khan (28 not out off 20) ensured Pakistan finished strong, setting a target that proved too steep for the hosts.
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Australia’s chase was derailed early when openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh fell off consecutive deliveries after a 22-run stand. Cameron Green (35) and Matthew Short (27) were the only batters to offer brief resistance before the spin web tightened.
With this win, Pakistan has taken an unassailable lead in the series, having won the first match by 22 runs.