Sydney: Australian seamer Spencer Johnson delivered a sensational performance, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket to help Australia secure a 13-run victory over Pakistan in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With this win, the hosts clinched the three-match series 2-0.
Australia Posts a Defendable Total
Opting to bat first, Australia got off to a blistering start, with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short hammering boundaries at will. The duo powered Australia to 50 runs within just 3.1 overs. However, Pakistan fought back through Haris Rauf, who dismissed Fraser-McGurk for 20 and captain Josh Inglis for a duck in the same over.
Short contributed a brisk 32 but was bowled by Abbas Afridi, while Marcus Stoinis fell for 14 after surviving two dropped catches. Glenn Maxwell briefly steadied the innings but was dismissed for 21 by Sufiyan Muqeem. Tim David, who was dropped by Babar Azam, added crucial runs before falling to Rauf. Australia finished with a modest total of 147-9, thanks largely to Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking 4-22, while Abbas Afridi chipped in with 3-17.
Johnson Wrecks Pakistan’s Top Order
Chasing 148, Pakistan stumbled early, losing key wickets in quick succession. Spencer Johnson wreaked havoc in the top order, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan for 16 and Salman Agha for a golden duck. At 44-4, Pakistan seemed to be in deep trouble, with Johnson claiming three of the four early wickets.
Usman Khan provided some resistance, scoring a resilient 52 after being dropped by Short. However, Johnson struck again in his final spell, removing Usman and Abbas Afridi to complete his five-wicket haul with figures of 5-26.
Pakistan Falls Short
Despite a valiant counterattack by Irfan Khan, who remained unbeaten on 37, Pakistan fell short of the target. Needing 16 runs off the final over, the visitors were bowled out for 134 after Haris Rauf was run out.
Series Overview
Australia’s win highlighted their all-round prowess, particularly with Johnson’s game-changing spell. The series victory followed Pakistan’s triumph in the preceding ODI series (2-1) and Australia’s 29-run win in the rain-affected T20 opener.
The third and final T20I will be played in Hobart on Monday, giving Pakistan a chance to salvage some pride.
