Australia Clinches T20I Series 2-0 Against Pakistan with 13-Run Victory in Sydney
Sydney, The Gulf Observer: Australia sealed a 2-0 victory in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan after a hard-fought 13-run win in the second match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Match Recap
Electing to bat first, Australia managed 147 runs, with early contributions from Matthew Short (32 off 17) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (20 off 9). Despite a strong start, Pakistan’s bowlers restricted the hosts effectively. Haris Rauf led the charge with four wickets, becoming Pakistan’s joint-leading wicket-taker in T20Is. Abbas Afridi claimed three wickets, while Sufyan Muqeem chipped in with two.
The middle and lower order added crucial runs for Australia, with Aaron Hardie contributing 28 off 23 balls before being dismissed by Afridi. Pakistan’s bowlers kept the hosts in check, but the target proved just out of reach for the visitors.
In response, Pakistan fell short of the 148-run target, losing by 13 runs, handing Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
First T20I: Rain-Interrupted Clash at The Gabba
The series opener at The Gabba saw Australia dominate in a rain-hit match. The Kangaroos posted 93 runs in a seven-over match and then dismissed Pakistan for a mere 64, securing a 29-run victory.
Historical Rivalry
Out of 26 T20I matches played between the two teams, Pakistan has a slight edge with 13 wins compared to Australia’s 12, while one match ended in no result. However, Australia has dominated the recent encounters, winning the last five consecutive matches.
The final match of the series offers Pakistan a chance to regain some momentum, while Australia will look to complete a clean sweep and solidify their dominance in the format.
