Pakistan crush Australia by 90 runs to take unassailable 2-0 lead in T20I series

LAHORE: Pakistan secured a commanding 90-run victory over Australia in the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first. The hosts posted 198 for 5 in 20 overs, with Agha leading from the front, scoring a brisk 76 off 40 balls. Usman Khan also played a crucial innings of 53 off 36 balls, while Shadab Khan (28*) and Mohammad Nawaz (9*) remained unbeaten at the end.

Australia’s reply never got off the ground. The visitors were bowled out for 108 in the 16th over, with Pakistan’s bowlers maintaining control throughout the innings.

Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the match. Usman Tariq, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah came in, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Fakhar Zaman were rested.

Pakistan’s innings had a shaky start as Sahibzada Farhan again fell cheaply for 5, and Saim Ayub contributed 23 before being dismissed. Babar Azam managed only 2 runs. But Agha’s aggressive captaincy and quick scoring put Pakistan in a strong position, supported by crucial contributions from the middle and lower order.

With this win, Pakistan now need just one more victory to seal the series, having also won the first T20I by 26 runs.