PAK vs AUS: Salman Ali Agha opens up after Pakistan's whitewash defeat in T20I series against Australia

Pakistan's stand-in captain, Salman Ali Agha, has expressed his thoughts following the team's 3-0 whitewash defeat in the T20I series against Australia, culminating in a crushing loss in the third and final T20I in Hobart.

During the post-match presentation, Agha reflected on the series, acknowledging Pakistan's struggles throughout the T20 format.

"I think in the middle overs we didn't capitalize the start, we lost too many wickets. Lots of positives, the way some of the players batted and bowled, these youngsters will come good. It's a big achievement for us to win a One Day series here after 22 years, could've done better in the T20 series but we'll come back stronger. They have been amazing," Agha said.

The final T20I was a microcosm of Pakistan’s woes during the series. Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled, with the team bowled out for a mere 117 runs in 18.1 overs. Babar Azam fought valiantly with 41 runs off 28 balls, which included four boundaries and a strike rate of 146.42. Haseebullah Khan added a quickfire 24 off 19 balls, but the efforts were insufficient to post a competitive total.

Australia's bowlers were dominant throughout, with Aaron Hardie leading the charge, claiming three wickets. Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa chipped in with two wickets each, making Pakistan's task even more daunting.

In response, Australia made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 11.2 overs. Marcus Stoinis was the star of the show, blasting 61 runs off 27 balls, which included five boundaries and five sixes. Captain Josh Inglis added 27 runs as Australia cruised to victory. Pakistan’s bowlers—Shaheen Afridi, Jahandad Khan, and Abbas Afridi—each picked up a wicket, but their efforts were futile against the Australian onslaught.

The T20I series followed a positive start to Pakistan's tour of Australia, with the team securing a historic 2-1 win in the ODI series, their first ODI series victory in Australia in 22 years.