2nd T20I
Spencer Johnson’s five wicket haul has lead the Australia team to a dramatic win
Australia scored 147/9 in 20 overs, where as Pakistan scored 134 in 19.3 overs.
So, finally Australia beat Pakistan by 13 runs.
In a nail-biting finish, Australia held their nerve to secure a 13-run victory at the SCG, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Chasing 148, Pakistan needed 16 from the final over, with the well-set Irfan Khan at the crease.
But Nathan Ellis, despite conceding 28 runs in his first three overs, kept his composure to guide Australia to victory, backed by a brilliant five-wicket haul from Spencer Johnson.
Although the two-paced pitch made the target seem achievable, Pakistan’s impressive bowling restricted Australia to under 150, thanks to Haris Rauf’s damage control.
Rauf took two early wickets, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Inglis, while Abbas Afridi, replacing Naseem Shah, struck immediately to remove Matthew Short.
The innings slowed after the PowerPlay, with Pakistan seemingly in control, though their fielding lapses, including at least three dropped catches, proved costly.
Aaron Hardie’s composed 28 off 23 balls, along with a six off Naseem Shah, helped Australia finish strong.
Rauf’s 4 for 22 was the best T20I bowling performance against Australia on home soil, but his efforts couldn’t make up for the underwhelming performances from Shaheen and Naseem, who combined for 83 runs in eight overs.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early as they lost captain Babar Azam and struggled with the bat.
After Johnson removed Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha in a double-wicket over, Pakistan were reduced to 40/4.
A 58-run stand between Irfan and Usman Khan offered brief hope, but Johnson’s return to dismiss Usman and Abbas Afridi sealed his remarkable five-wicket haul.
Pakistan’s collapse continued with Zampa taking two wickets in one over, and despite Irfan’s late flourish, Ellis returned in the final over to secure a dramatic win for Australia.
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