Pakistan Seal Historic T20I Series Victory over Australia

Pakistan have secured a historic T20 International series victory over Australia after defeating the hosts by 90 runs in the second match on Saturday to take an unassailable lead in the series. It is Pakistan’s first T20I series win against Australia in seven years, their previous success coming under Sarfaraz Ahmed in the United Arab Emirates in 2018.

Chasing a target of 199, Australia came under pressure from the outset and never recovered against Pakistan’s spin attack. The hosts were bowled out for just 108 in 15.4 overs. The match ended on a symbolic note when Australia’s last batter, Matthew Kuhnemann, edged a delivery from Usman Tariq to first slip, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha took a comfortable catch.

Pakistan’s spinners created history in the match. For the first time in international T20 cricket, Pakistan’s spin attack accounted for all 10 opposition wickets. Leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed three wickets each, while Usman Tariq picked up two. Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan posted 198 for 5. Although Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed early, captain Salman Ali Agha led an aggressive counter-attack. He added a rapid 50-run partnership off just 21 balls with Saim Ayub, who scored 23 off 11 deliveries. Salman continued his assault, scoring a brilliant 76 off 40 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.

After Salman’s dismissal in the 13th over, Usman Khan (53 off 36 balls) and Shadab Khan (28 not out off 20 balls) scored quickly at the end to take Pakistan’s total to 198.

Australia’s innings suffered early blows as openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh were dismissed off consecutive deliveries following a 22-run opening stand. Cameron Green (35) and Matthew Short (27) offered brief resistance, but Australia’s batting line-up eventually succumbed to Pakistan’s spin web.

Pakistan had also won the opening match by 22 runs, and Saturday’s emphatic victory sealed the series with one match to spare.