Pakistan thrash Australia by 90 runs to clinch T20I series after seven-year wait

LAHORE: Pakistan outclassed Australia by 90 runs in the second T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series 2-0 and registering their first T20I series win over the visitors in seven years.

After blistering half-centuries from captain Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan, Pakistan posted a formidable 198 for 5 before their bowlers dismantled Australia for just 108 in 15.4 overs.

Chasing a daunting 199-run target, Australia never found momentum. Cameron Green top-scored with a 20-ball 35, while Matthew Short made 27. Only captain Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) reached double figures as the rest of the batting collapsed against disciplined spin bowling.

Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan led Pakistan’s bowling charge with three wickets each. Usman Tariq picked up two, while Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one apiece to complete a comprehensive team effort.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Agha’s decision to bat first proved decisive despite an early setback when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for five in the second over. Agha then rebuilt the innings with aggressive intent, sharing a 55-run stand with Saim Ayub, who struck 23 off 11 balls before falling in the powerplay.

Pakistan slipped to 76 for 3 after Babar Azam was trapped lbw for two, but Agha steadied the innings and reached his sixth T20I half-century off just 25 balls during a 49-run partnership with Shadab Khan. Agha eventually fell for a commanding 76 off 40 deliveries, laced with eight fours and four sixes.

Usman Khan then ensured Pakistan maintained momentum in the latter half of the innings, scoring a fluent 52 off 35 balls. He added 63 runs with Shadab Khan, who contributed a quick 28, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with a brief cameo to push Pakistan close to the 200 mark.

For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly and Sean Abbott claimed one wicket each.

With the win, Pakistan took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The third and final T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday.