Cricket Highlights, November 16: Pakistan tour of Australia (2nd T20) – Australia vs Pakistan

AUS vs. PAK (2nd T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the intense 2nd T20I clash between AUS and PAK, held at Sydney on November 16, 2024. The match showcased a thrilling contest as Australia defended a modest total of 147/9 with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Pakistan, despite a determined chase, fell short by 13 runs, losing crucial wickets at key moments. This victory handed Australia a 2-0 lead in the series, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure in a closely-fought encounter. Let’s delve into the key moments and standout performances from this exciting match.

In response, Pakistan’s innings felt like a game of musical chairs, wickets kept falling before anyone could settle into the groove. Despite a fighting effort from their lower order, the target proved just out of reach, as they were bowled out for 134 in 19.4 overs. Australia’s disciplined bowling and fielding secured a hard-fought victory and a 2-0 lead in the series.

Australia’s innings in the 2nd T20I against PAK at Sydney on November 16, 2024, saw them post a modest total of 147/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Opening the batting, Matthew Short played a quickfire knock of 32 off 17 balls, including two fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Abbas Afridi. Jake Fraser-McGurk added 20 off 9 balls, striking three fours and a six, but was caught off Haris Rauf.

Australia’s middle order struggled to build partnerships. Skipper Josh Inglis got a duck on the menu courtesy of Rauf’s fiery delivery. Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a quick 21 off 20, while Marcus Stoinis added a modest 14 off 15. Tim David’s 18 off 19 balls and Aaron Hardie’s 28 off 23 balls helped stabilize the innings but failed to accelerate significantly.

Xavier Bartlett was dismissed for 5, and Spencer Johnson was out for a duck. The tail was quickly cleaned up, with Adam Zampa remaining not out on 0, as Australia finished their innings on 147/9. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs in his 4 overs. Abbas Afridi also had a strong showing, claiming 3 wickets for 17 runs. Sufiyan Muqeem and Naseem Shah each picked up a wicket as well.

Pakistan’s chase of 148 in the 2nd T20I against AUS fell short as they were dismissed for 134 in 19.4 overs, losing by 13 runs. The chase got off to a rocky start as Babar Azam (3) and Sahibzada Farhan (5) were dismissed early, leaving Pakistan at 17/2. Mohammad Rizwan struggled for his 16 off 26 balls before being caught off Spencer Johnson, making the score 44/3.

Usman Khan then anchored the innings, playing a crucial knock of 52 off 38 balls, which included 4 fours and a six. However, his dismissal, caught off Johnson, at 102/5 set Pakistan back again. Salman Agha (0) and Abbas Afridi (4) were dismissed cheaply, and the tail collapsed quickly.

Irfan Khan provided some resistance with 37 off 28 balls, but the required runs kept mounting. Shaheen Shah Afridi (0), Naseem Shah (0), Sufiyan Muqeem (0), and Haris Rauf (2) were all dismissed before Pakistan could reach the target.

Spencer Johnson was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 5 wickets for 26 runs in his 4 overs. Xavier Bartlett and Marcus Stoinis supported well, taking a wicket each. Despite Usman Khan’s efforts, Pakistan fell short by 13 runs, finishing at 134 all out.

Australia vs. Pakistan Scoreboard

Australia– 147/9 (20)

Pakistan–134(19.4/20)

Result – Australia won by 13 runs

Player of the Match – Spencer Johnson

AUS vs. PAK Playing Eleven

Australia

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis©(wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan©(wk), Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.