Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Australia by 90 runs in the second T20 International at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, securing 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 an impressive 198 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, led by a superb innings from the skipper. Salman played a responsible yet aggressive knock, scoring 76 runs off 40 balls, anchoring the innings after early setbacks.
Pakistan’s start was shaky as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for just 5 runs, while Saim Ayub (23) and Babar Azam (2) also failed to convert their starts. However, Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings and found solid support from Usman Khan, who struck a brisk 53 off 36 deliveries. Shadab Khan (28)* and Mohammad Nawaz (9)* added valuable late runs to push the total close to 200.
In response, Australia struggled badly against Pakistan’s spin attack and were bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs. Cameron Green (35) and Matthew Short (27) were the only notable contributors as wickets fell regularly.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claiming three wickets each. Usman Tariq picked up two wickets, while Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one apiece.
With this emphatic victory, Pakistan sealed the series with a match to spare.
For the second T20I, Pakistan made three changes to the playing XI, bringing in Usman Tariq, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Fakhar Zaman were rested.