Lahore (Web Desk): Pakistan posted a formidable total of 198 runs in the second T20I against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a blistering innings from captain Salman Ali Agha.
Agha lit up the middle order, smashing 76 runs off just 40 balls, including four sixes and eight boundaries, anchoring Pakistan’s charge.
Opener Saim Ayub continued his fine form, contributing a quickfire 23 off 11 deliveries, while wicket-keeper Usman Khan played a key role with a stylish 53 off 36 before being dismissed in the final over.
Lower-order hitters Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz ensured the innings ended on a strong note, remaining unbeaten with scores of 28 off 20 and 9 off 3, respectively, to give Pakistan a challenging target to defend.
Earlier, Pakistan chose to bat first against Australia after winning the toss.
The hosts came into the game with momentum, holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
In the opening contest, Pakistan successfully defended a total of 168 for 8, restricting Australia to 146 for 8 to claim a 22-run victory. Saim Ayub played a key role in that win, contributing a brisk 40 runs and also picking up two wickets, while spin bowling and sharp run-outs put the brakes on Australia’s chase.
For this match, Pakistan made three changes to their lineup from Thursday’s encounter. Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah and Usman Tariq were drafted into the side, replacing Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Mirza.
Australia also reshuffled their combination, making four adjustments. Mitchell Marsh stepped in as captain in place of Travis Head, while Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann and Sean Abbott were included in the XI. They came in for Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards and Mahli Beardman.
In a separate development ahead of the game, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday that right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr had been released from the squad for the remainder of the series. No explanation was provided for his departure.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 29 times in T20 Internationals. Australia have come out on top in 14 of those matches, Pakistan have won 13, while one game ended in a tie and another produced no result.
Teams
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Short, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott