Pakistan produced one of their most commanding T20I performances in recent years, dismantling Australia by 90 runs in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. On a slow, low‑bounce surface far removed from the hard, fast decks of Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, Australia’s batting was brutally exposed as they crumbled to 108 all out, losing all ten wickets to Pakistan’s diverse spin attack.
Agha Salman and Usman Khan Set Up Pakistan’s Highest T20I Total vs Australia
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted 198/5, their highest-ever T20I total against Australia. Captain Agha Salman led from the front with a scintillating 76 off 40 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes in an innings of authority and innovation.
He was supported by Usman Khan, who smashed 53 off 36, ensuring Pakistan maintained momentum through the middle overs. The pair’s partnership gave Pakistan a platform to attack late, with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz adding quick runs to push the total close to 200.
Australia’s bowlers struggled to adapt to the surface. Xavier Bartlett conceded 52 runs in his four overs, while Kuhnemann, Connolly, and Abbott each took a wicket but failed to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batting.
Australia Crumble Against Pakistan’s Five‑Pronged Spin Attack
If Pakistan’s batting was impressive, their bowling was ruthless.
Australia, chasing 199, were immediately strangled by Pakistan’s decision to open with spin from both ends. Abrar Ahmed trapped Mitchell Marsh lbw early, setting the tone for a collapse that never stopped.
The visitors slumped to 29/3, losing Marsh, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis inside five overs. Every attempt to counterattack was met with sharp turn, drift, and subtle changes of pace.
Pakistan’s spinners shared all 10 wickets: Abrar Ahmed 3/14, Shadab Khan 3/26, Usman Tariq 2/26, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Nawaz 1 wicket each.
Cameron Green (35 off 20) was the only Australian batter to show some resistance, briefly countering the spin before falling to Usman Tariq. Once he departed, Australia’s innings unraveled rapidly, losing their last five wickets for just 32 runs.
A Trial by Spin: Australia Exposed in Subcontinental Conditions
This match was a stark reminder of Australia’s long‑standing struggles on slow, turning pitches. Used to the bounce and pace of home surfaces, their batters looked tentative, often playing from the crease, misreading length, and failing to rotate strike.
Pakistan exploited this with precision:
- Spin from both ends in the powerplay disrupted Australia’s rhythm.
- Variations in pace and trajectory forced mistimed strokes.
- Low bounce neutralized Australia’s cross‑bat power game.
Australia’s collapse to 108 all out in 15.4 overs marked their biggest T20I defeat since 2005 and Pakistan’s largest-ever win over them in the format.
Series Sealed — And a Statement Made
With this emphatic victory, Pakistan clinched the series 2–0 with one match to spare. It was a performance built on tactical clarity, fearless batting, and a spin attack perfectly suited to home conditions.
For Australia, the defeat is a sobering warning ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where similar conditions await. Their inability to handle quality spin remains a glaring vulnerability — one that Pakistan exposed with clinical precision.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will take immense confidence from a win that showcased depth, adaptability, and a growing mastery of modern T20 cricket.
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