HOBART, Australia: Australia sealed off the T20 series with a resounding victory over Pakistan with a 3-0 clean sweep.
Chasing a target of 118 runs, the Australian side reached the required total in 11.2 overs, losing only three wickets.
Pakistan team was bundled out for 117 runs in 18.1 overs. Seven players failed to reach double figures.
Pakistan set Australia a target of 118 runs!#AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/6ggvacVowB
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 18, 2024
Australia, opting to chase, were initially troubled by a shaky start. Openers Jack Fraser-McGurk (2) and Matthew Short (18) were dismissed early, leaving the home side at 30 for 2 within four overs.
However, Australian captain Josh Inglis steadied the ship, contributing a crucial 27 off 24 balls, before getting out in the 10th over.
Inglis and Marcus Stoinis made a 55-run stand for the third wicket, with Stoinis taking charge after Inglis’s departure.
The Australian all-rounder smashed 61 not out off 27 balls, including five sixes and as many fours.
Stoinis’s performance was the highlight of the Australian side as they reached the total in 66 balls.
Solid start for Pakistan! 🇵🇰
After the powerplay, Pakistan are 58/1🏏#AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/i8ukn0kYfQ— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 18, 2024
For Pakistan, it was another dismal display. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors lost early wickets, with Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Haseebullah Khan (24) failing to provide any stability at the top.
Despite Babar Azam’s 41, the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Usman Khan (3), Salman Ali Agha (1), and Irfan Khan (10) all were dismissed by playing irresponsible strokes.
Seven players were down before the scoreboard read 100.
Shaheen Afridi contributed with 16 runs, which included two fours and a six, briefly raising hopes but the hosts sent the visitors back to the pavilion on 117.
Aaron Hardie was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking three wickets, while Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson took two wickets each. Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett also contributed with one wicket apiece.
Teams
Australia: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short, Josh Inglis (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha (capt), Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem
Umpires: Sam Nogajski (AUS) Shawn Craig (AUS)
TV Umpire: Donovan Koch (RSA)
Match Referee: David Boon (AUS)
Match summary:
Pakistan: 117 all out (18.1 overs)
Top scorer: Babar Azam 41 (28 balls, 4 fours)
Australia: 118/3 (11.2 overs)
Top scorer: Marcus Stoinis 61* (27 balls, 5 sixes, 5 fours)
Best bowlers: Aaron Hardie 3 wickets, Adam Zampa 2 wickets, Spencer Johnson 2 wickets
