Australia secured a series whitewash by defeating Pakistan in the third and final T20 International, comfortably chasing down the 118-run target with seven wickets in hand.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Continue
In the final T20 match held in Hobart, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered yet again. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s innings ended at 117 runs in 18.1 overs. Notably, seven players failed to reach double digits, underlining their struggles. Despite a brief fight from Babar Azam, who scored 41 runs, the rest of the team failed to build partnerships. Haseebullah contributed 24 runs, while other key players like Usman Khan and captain Salman Ali Agha were dismissed cheaply.
Salman, leading the side in place of Mohammad Rizwan, recorded a poor performance throughout the series, scoring just 4, 0, and 1 run in the three matches.
Australia’s Dominant Chase
Australia’s openers, Jack Fraser McGurk and Matthew Short, were dismissed for 18 and 2 runs, respectively. However, captain Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis led the response effectively. Stoinis, in particular, delivered an explosive performance, scoring an unbeaten 61 off just 27 balls, featuring 5 sixes and 5 fours. He launched an aggressive attack, notably against Pakistan’s experienced bowler Haris Rauf, hitting 21 runs in a single over.
The chase was completed in just 11.2 overs, showcasing Australia’s dominance. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and debutant Jehandad Khan each managed to claim a wicket.
Bowling Highlights
For Australia, Aaron Hardie emerged as the top bowler with 3 wickets, while Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson each secured 2 wickets. Nathan Ellis also chipped in with 1 wicket to round off a strong bowling performance.
Team Changes and Strategy
Pakistan made a few changes for the third T20, resting skipper Mohammad Rizwan and handing the captaincy to Salman Ali Agha. Jehandad Khan made his debut, replacing Naseem Shah, while Haseebullah took Rizwan’s spot. Despite the lineup adjustments, Pakistan’s batting woes continued.
On the other side, Australia fielded an unchanged side, staying with the team that secured victories in the first two matches.
Recap of the Series
The series began with a rain-affected match, reduced to 7 overs per innings, where Australia triumphed over Pakistan by 29 runs. In the second T20, Australia clinched a 13-run win, bowling Pakistan out for 134 runs while defending a target of 148. This victory sealed a 2-0 lead for Australia ahead of the final match.
Pakistan and Australia Lineups
Pakistan Playing XI: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Jehandad Khan, Safian Moqim.
Australia Playing XI: Josh Inglis (captain), Jack Fraser McGurk, Matthew Short, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
