Pakistan claimed a historic T20 series victory over Australia for the first time in seven years, recording their largest winning margin against the visitors in this format.
Captain Salman Ali Aga led from the front with a blistering innings, while Usman Khan’s half-century helped Pakistan post a formidable total of 198 for 5 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. The previous highest T20 total against Australia was 194, achieved in 2018, while they had also twice reached 191 runs in the past.
Salman’s 76 from 40 balls, featuring four sixes and eight fours, earned him the player of the match award, while Usman added 53 off 36 balls, including two sixes and four fours.
Chasing 199, Australia were bundled out for just 108, with every wicket falling to Pakistan’s dominant spin attack. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets for just 14 runs, and fellow leg-spinner Shadab Khan also took three wickets for 26 runs. Off-spinner Usman Tariq and left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each, while Saima Ayub added another to complete the demolition.
With two consecutive wins and one match to spare, Pakistan secured the series, ending a seven-year wait for a T20 series triumph over Australia. Their previous series victory in 2018 had seen them whitewash the Tasmanian side in a three-match contest.
