After rain saved Pakistan in the first match, Australia have romped to victory in the second T20I at Canberra, taking 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
A shaky Pakistan innings after winning the toss and brilliant batting from Steven Smith made sure that Australia won it comfortably in the end. Fifties from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed gave the bowlers something to bowl at on a batting-friendly pitch.
Pakistan captain was once again brilliant as he kept picking up odd boundaries to raise his half-century, however, he was run out on the same ball he reached his fifty thanks to an athletic piece of fielding by David Warner.
Iftikhar Ahmed provided the late surge which Pakistan needed badly at that time to cross the 150 runs mark. He ended up not out on 62 from 34 balls including 3 sixes and 5 fours. Pakistan put up 150/6 in their 20 overs.
Despite getting the wickets of the in-form opening pair, David Warner and Aaron Finch, Pakistani bowlers couldn’t control the flow of runs when Steve Smith was on the crease. Smith made sure that Pakistani fans didn’t get too excited as he cruised along, getting his team home by 7 wickets with a match-winning 80* from 51 balls.
Mohammad Irfan, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Amir picked one wicket each. For his masterclass with the bat, Smith won the man of the match award.
Usman Shinwar and Shaheen Afridi should be picked for T20 team instead of Irfan…
Further batting is also lacking power hitting which the need of hour… need some specialist sloggers / pinch hitter.
Hi All F.R