Pakistan delivered a ruthless all-round display to outplay Australia in the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Defending a formidable 198 for 5, Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined effort and bowled Australia out for 108 in 15.4 overs. The hosts secured a dominant 90-run victory to clinch the series with a match to spare.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Despite an early setback, Pakistan built momentum through positive intent and smart partnerships.
The hosts lost Sahibzada Farhan for 5 in the second over, with only 17 runs on the board. Agha responded by taking control alongside Saim Ayub, ensuring the innings stayed on track during the powerplay.
Ayub played an aggressive cameo, scoring 23 off 11 balls with four boundaries, before Cooper Connolly dismissed him on the final ball of the powerplay.
Agha Anchors, Then Accelerates
Pakistan faced another jolt when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam lbw for 2, leaving the score at 76 for 3 in 7.1 overs.
Agha responded with authority. He launched a counterattack and built a rapid partnership with Shadab Khan, firmly shifting momentum in Pakistan’s favour. The skipper reached his sixth T20I fifty in just 25 balls and finished as the top scorer with a superb 76 off 40 deliveries, striking eight fours and four sixes.
Sean Abbott finally ended Agha’s stay in the 13th over, breaking a dangerous 49-run stand.
Usman Khan Powers Late Surge
At the death, Usman Khan ensured Pakistan closed strongly. The wicketkeeper-batter recorded his second T20I half-century, scoring 52 off 35 balls with four fours and two sixes.
Usman added a vital 63-run partnership with Shadab, who scored 28 off 20 balls. Mohammad Nawaz added a quick 10 off 4 balls as Pakistan finished on 198 for 5.
For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Zampa, Connolly, and Abbott claimed one wicket each.
Australia struggled from the outset in the chase. Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals and applied constant pressure, never allowing the visitors to settle.
The disciplined attack bundled Australia out for 108, completing a comprehensive win and confirming Pakistan’s series triumph ahead of the final match.
