Australia beat Pakistan by 13 runs in the second T20I of the three-match series on Saturday (November 16) at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts took an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series, having already won the first match at Gabba on Thursday.
After opting to bat first, Australia reached a respectable total of 147/9 in 20 overs. Openers Matthew Short (32 off 17) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (20 off 9) gave the hosts an electrifying start with a 52-run partnership in just 3.2 overs.
Pakistan pacers Haris Rauf (4/22) and Abbas Afridi (3/17) then got into the act and derailed the Australian team's momentum with a flurry of wickets through the middle phase to dent their progress. Left-arm leg-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem also picked up two wickets to complement the efforts of Rauf and Afridi.
In reply, Pakistan batters struggled on a tricky surface and could only score 134 before getting all-out in the final over of the match. Only Usman Khan (52 off 38) and Irfan Khan (37* off 28) fought hard for them in the batting department but could not take their side over the line.
Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson picked up a 5-wicket haul (5/26) and stole the show with the ball for the Australian team in the second innings.
Fans enjoyed the engaging T20I game between Australia and Pakistan on Saturday. They expressed their reactions to the contest by sharing memes on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Here are some of the best reactions:
"It was tough through the middle" - Australia captain Josh Inglis after beating Pakistan in 2nd T20I 2024 in Sydney
At the post-match presentation, Australian skipper Josh Inglis reflected on the win and said:
"It was enough in the end, Shorty and Jake started really well. It was tough through the middle and I thought we were there and thereabout. There are so many bowling options in the team and I am really happy for him (Spencer Johnson) as well."
He continued:
"I think at times in the summer so far they have played really well. Quick turnaround, will reach there tomorrow and have a look at the wicket. I was thinking more about captaincy than the keeping and will have to learn more as things go on."
The two teams will now travel to Hobart for the final T20I, which will take place on Monday, November 18.
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