Hobart (Web Desk): Australia wrapped up a commanding 3-0 T20I series win over Pakistan with a seven-wicket victory in the third and final match at Bellerive Oval on Monday.
Chasing a modest target of 118, Australia made light work of the pursuit, reaching the target with 52 balls to spare and losing just three wickets in the process.
The chase got off to a rocky start for the hosts, as openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (2) and Matthew Short (18) were dismissed early, leaving Australia on 30/2 after just four overs.
However, captain Josh Inglis steadied the ship, combining with Marcus Stoinis for a crucial 55-run stand for the third wicket. Inglis contributed 27 off 24 balls, including four boundaries, before falling in the 10th over.
Stoinis, then, took charge and launched Australia toward victory with a blistering unbeaten 67 off just 27 deliveries. His knock included five sixes and five fours, marking his fifth T20I half-century. Stoinis' dynamic batting ensured Australia reached their target in just 11.2 overs, finishing the series in style.
For Pakistan, the bowlers had little to celebrate. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, and Abbas Afridi each took a wicket, but the target was always out of reach for the visitors.
Earlier, Pakistan had been sent in to bat and struggled to post a competitive total.
They were bowled out for just 117 runs, with the innings falling apart after a steady start. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Babar Azam (41) failed to provide the solid foundation needed.
Babar, the standout performer, hit four boundaries in his 28-ball knock before being dismissed by Adam Zampa in the 13th over. Haseebullah Khan (24) added a useful contribution but was dismissed in the seventh over, triggering a collapse.
The Pakistani middle order never found its rhythm, with Usman Khan (3) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (1) both falling cheaply. Zampa was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, finishing with 2 wickets for 12 runs in his four overs.
With a dominant win, Australia not only completed a clean sweep of the series but also showcased their all-round strength, with both bat and ball clicking on the day.
Teams
Australia: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short, Josh Inglis (c/wk), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Usman Khan, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.
