Salman, Spinners Power Pakistan to Series Win Over Australia

News Desk 

Lahore: Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Australia by 90 runs in the second T20 International, clinching the three-match series 2–0 with one match still remaining.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan posted an imposing 198 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front with a scintillating half-century, while wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan provided strong support with a composed knock.

Pakistan suffered an early setback when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for five, but Salman Agha steadied the innings with an aggressive partnership alongside opener Saim Ayub. Ayub scored a brisk 23 off 11 balls, including four boundaries, before falling at the end of the powerplay.

Australia briefly clawed back into the contest when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam lbw for two, reducing Pakistan to 76 for 3. 

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However, Salman Agha counterattacked with calculated aggression, reaching his sixth T20 half-century off just 25 deliveries. He was eventually dismissed by Sean Abbott in the 13th over after a superb innings of 76 off 40 balls, featuring eight fours and four sixes.

Usman Khan then anchored the latter half of the innings, scoring 53 off 36 balls and adding a crucial 63-run partnership with Shadab Khan. Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with quick runs at the death to push Pakistan close to the 200-run mark.

In reply, Australia never recovered from early pressure applied by Pakistan’s spinners. Abrar Ahmed struck early, dismissing Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, and Matthew Short, while Shadab Khan dominated the middle overs with three key wickets. 

Cameron Green top-scored with 35, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered as Australia were bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs.

With the emphatic win, Pakistan secured an unassailable lead in the series. The third and final T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday, where Pakistan will aim to complete a clean sweep.