PAK vs AUS: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after defeat in second T20I match against Australia

Pakistan's white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his disappointment following a 13-run defeat to Australia in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. The loss sealed the series for Australia, who now lead 2-0 in the three-match series.

During the post-match presentation, Rizwan highlighted the impact of dropped catches on the outcome of the game.

"If you drop crucial catches at crucial times, it will cost you always. Australia in Australia isn't an easy team. If you give them chances like that and you have to get 16 wickets (due to the drops), it won't be easy for any team. We all know that the pitch wasn't easy to bat on, so the catches were crucial," Rizwan said.

Australia, defending a modest total of 148, bowled Pakistan out for 134. Spencer Johnson's sensational performance, taking 5 wickets for 24 runs, played a pivotal role in Australia's victory. Despite a valiant 52 from Usman Khan, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships, with early wickets—including Babar Azam's dismissal for just 3—leaving them in a difficult position.

Glenn Maxwell (21) and Matthew Short (32) were the top scorers for Australia. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf impressed with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, but it wasn't enough to prevent Australia from clinching the win. Despite Pakistan's late fightback, Australia's early aggression, combined with Johnson's match-winning spell, secured the victory.

With the series already decided, both teams will now look ahead to the final match in Hobart on November 18.