Pakistan beat Australia by 90 runs, take 2–0 lead

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Australia by 90 runs in the second match of the three-match T20 series, taking a decisive 2–0 lead in the series.

The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first. Pakistan posted a strong total of 198 runs for 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front with an excellent knock of 76 runs off 40 balls. Usman Khan also played a key role, scoring 53 runs off 36 balls. Shadab Khan made 28 runs, while Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 9.

Pakistan did not get an ideal start as Sahibzada Farhan was out for 5 runs. Saim Ayub scored 23, while Babar Azam was dismissed for just 2 runs. Despite early wickets, the middle order recovered well and set a challenging target.

For the second T20, Pakistan made three changes to the playing XI. Usman Tariq, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah were included, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Fakhar Zaman were rested.

In reply, Australia failed to chase the big target and were bowled out well short, losing the match by 90 runs.

Pakistan had already won the first T20 by 26 runs, and with this victory, they have secured an unassailable lead in the series.