In the second T20I between Australia and Pakistan, Australia set a target of 148 runs for Pakistan. The Australian batsmen initially took advantage of some loose bowling, scoring at 16 runs per over in the first few overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened things up, reducing the run rate to 7.35 runs per over by the end of the innings.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Haris Rauf, who claimed 4 wickets, and Abbas Afridi, who took 3 wickets. Sufiyan Muqeem also contributed with 2 wickets. Despite a valiant effort from the Pakistani bowlers, including a crucial drop catch by Babar Azam off Tim David, Australia managed to post a competitive total.
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Notable performances in Australia’s innings included Aaron Hardie, who scored 28 off 23 balls, and Matthew Short, who made 32 off 17 balls. However, several key batsmen were dismissed cheaply. Abbas Afridi accounted for the wickets of Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis (14 off 15), and Spencer Johnson (duck). Haris Rauf also dismissed Xavier Bartlett for 5 off 9 balls and claimed the key wicket of Tim David.
Pakistan’s pace attack was less effective with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, who went wicketless, but their economy rates were high, at 9.7 and 11, respectively, in their opening spells.
With Australia finishing at 147/9 in their 20 overs, Pakistan will need to chase down 148 in their allotted overs to level the series.
