PAK vs AUS: Spencer Johnson's fifer powers Australia to unassailable 2-0 lead in T20I series against Pakistan

The third and final T20I match is scheduled to be held in Hobart on November 18

PHOTO: AFP

Spencer Johnson's spectacular five-wicket haul powered Australia to a thrilling 13-run victory over Pakistan in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday, securing a series-clinching triumph for the hosts.

Defending a modest target of 148, the Australian bowlers, led by Johnson, dismantled Pakistan's chase, bundling the visitors out for 134 in the final over.

Pakistan’s run chase began on a disastrous note, losing Babar Azam (3) and Sahibzada Farhan (5) within the first three overs, leaving the team reeling at 17/2. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan (16 off 26) and Usman Khan attempted to stabilize the innings but managed only a 27-run stand before Johnson's double strike in the 10th over removed Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha (0).

Usman Khan, who played a fighting knock of 52 off 38 balls with five boundaries and a six, found a reliable partner in Muhammad Irfan Khan. The duo stitched a 58-run partnership, reviving Pakistan’s hopes. However, Usman’s untimely dismissal triggered a collapse, with three wickets falling in quick succession.

Irfan Khan remained unbeaten with a valiant 37 off 28 balls, but his efforts fell short as Pakistan failed to cross the finish line.

Spencer Johnson was the standout performer with the ball, dismantling Pakistan’s lineup with figures of 5/24. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa provided valuable support, claiming two wickets.

Earlier, Australian openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short launched a fiery assault on Pakistan’s pacers, adding 48 runs in the first three overs. However, Haris Rauf’s introduction into the attack turned the tide. The pacer struck twice in his first over, removing Fraser-McGurk (20 off 9) and captain Josh Inglis (0).

Matthew Short top-scored for Australia with a brisk 32 off 17 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, but his departure in the fifth over reduced Australia to 56/3.

The middle-order duo of Marcus Stoinis (14) and Glenn Maxwell (21) added 30 runs, but Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed both batters in successive overs, keeping the pressure on.

Haris Rauf continued to shine, registering figures of 4/22 in four overs, including the scalps of Tim David (18) and Xavier Bartlett (5). Abbas Afridi complemented him with an exceptional final over, finishing with 3/17 in his four overs.

Despite the late collapse, Australia’s early aggression and Johnson’s brilliance with the ball proved decisive, earning them a hard-fought victory.

Australia secures a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, with the final showdown set for November 18 in Hobart.

Australia (Playing XI): Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis(w/c), Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem