Second T20: Pakistan fly out of the blocks after opting to bat against Australia

LAHORE: Pakistan made a blazing start in the second T20I against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

The home side came out with clear intent in the powerplay, taking the attack to the Australian quicks and pushing the run rate beyond 12 an over. Even the early loss of Sahibzada Farhan did little to slow the momentum as Pakistan’s top order quickly regrouped.

Farhan was dismissed for 5, edging Matthew Kuhnemann early, but the innings was soon reignited by Saim Ayub, who looked fluent from the outset. Ayub remained unbeaten on 23, punctuating his stay with crisp cover-drives and confident strokeplay.

Captain Salman Agha then produced a counter-attacking burst that swung the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour. He raced to 44 off just 19 balls, striking five fours and three sixes in a knock that had the Lahore crowd on its feet.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to find control, with Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett proving expensive, while Kuhnemann was the only one to strike so far.

At the end of 5.5 overs, Pakistan were 72 for 1, well placed for a total in excess of 200 if they maintain the tempo through the middle overs.

With this kind of start, Pakistan have given themselves a strong platform to post a daunting target and take control of the series.