Australia sealed a series victory against Pakistan in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday, with a clinical 13-run win, thanks to a stunning bowling performance by Spencer Johnson. Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 134 runs, with Johnson taking five wickets in a match-changing display. The win gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final game set to take place in Hobart on November 18.
SPENSER JOHNSON FIVE WICKET HAUL.
— Ravi (@ravi97140) November 16, 2024
– A terrific spell against Pakistan! 👌#AUSvsPAK
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Early Dominance by Australia
The match began with Australia batting first, and they got off to a flying start. Opening batsmen Matthew Short and Jack Fraser-McGurk quickly put on 52 runs for the first wicket in just 3.4 overs. Fraser-McGurk, in particular, was aggressive, scoring a quickfire 32 runs from 17 balls. However, Pakistan’s pace attack began to strike back soon after. Haris Rauf, who had been in scintillating form throughout the series, broke the opening partnership by dismissing Fraser-McGurk and then followed it up by sending Josh Inglis packing for a duck in the same over.
The quick wickets shifted momentum in Pakistan’s favor, with Rauf and fellow pacer Abbas Afridi adding pressure on the Australian top order. Rauf’s fiery spell made it clear that the chase was not going to be straightforward for Australia. Afridi, too, made crucial breakthroughs, removing Matthew Short for 28 runs and further tightening the screws on the Aussie middle order.
Middle Order Struggles
Australia’s middle-order batsmen struggled to build partnerships as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Glenn Maxwell could only manage 21 runs, Marcus Stoinis added 14, and Tim David chipped in with a quick 28. But none of them could stay at the crease for long, and Australia found themselves in a precarious position at various stages.
The Pakistani bowlers were relentless, with Rauf leading the charge by taking four wickets. Abbas Afridi supported well, taking three wickets, while Sufiyan added two to his tally. As Australia limped towards the finish line, their total was restricted to 147/9 in their 20 overs, a total that seemed well within Pakistan’s reach, but the Aussies had a surprise in store.
Spencer Johnson Magic with the Ball
With the chase on, Pakistan’s hopes rested on their star batsmen, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, to lead the way. However, Australia’s bowlers had other plans. Spencer Johnson, who had been impressive throughout the series, turned the game on its head with a remarkable spell.
In the very first over of the chase, Johnson removed Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 2/15. Xavier Bartlett supported well from the other end, and when Johnson sent captain Rizwan back to the pavilion for just 16 runs off 26 balls, Pakistan’s innings was in disarray.
At 4/44 after 9.3 overs, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble. With the required run rate creeping up, Pakistan’s middle order had to pull something special out of the bag if they were to stay alive in the match. And that’s exactly what Irfan Khan and Usman Khan did.
Irfan and Usman Fight Back
Irfan Khan and Usman Khan showed resilience in the middle overs, sharing a 58-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their combined efforts provided some hope for Pakistan, as they slowly began to claw their way back into the contest. Irfan, in particular, was aggressive, scoring 37 runs off 28 balls, keeping the run rate within reach. However, just as Pakistan seemed to be getting back into the game, the Australian bowlers tightened the noose once again.
Spencer Johnson, in his final over, dismissed both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for ducks, all but sealing the game for Australia. The final blow came when Pakistan’s lower order crumbled, and Nathan Ellis kept his cool in the last over, ensuring Australia wrapped up a comprehensive win. Pakistan were bowled out for 134 runs in 19.4 overs, falling short by 13 runs.
Spencer Johnson’s Match-Winning Performance
Johnson was the star of the day, claiming five wickets for just 26 runs in his four overs. His lethal spell at the start of Pakistan’s chase was a game-changer, and he provided the breakthrough moments that kept Australia on top throughout the innings. Johnson’s performance was a testament to the value of pace bowling in T20 cricket and showcased his ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage.
Despite Irfan Khan’s brave knock, the Pakistan batting line-up failed to cope with the pressure, and Johnson’s clinical display helped Australia finish with a well-deserved victory.
Australia Take 2-0 Lead in the Series
With this win, Australia has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The team’s all-round performance — from the explosive start with the bat to the superb bowling effort, especially from Spencer Johnson — gave them a deserved victory. The series has been a showcase of some incredible individual performances, but none more so than Johnson’s incredible spell.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly ahead of the final T20I in Hobart. With the series already out of their reach, they will be aiming to avoid a whitewash and end the series on a high.
The third and final match, set for November 18, will be crucial for Pakistan as they look to salvage some pride and finish the series on a positive note. For Australia, it’s all about maintaining their winning momentum and finishing the series in style.
As the series heads to Hobart, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter, and fans can expect more exciting cricket in what has already been a competitive series.
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