Pakistan routs Australia by 90 runs to clinch T20 series victory
The Hindu
Pakistan secures a T20 series victory over Australia with a commanding 90-run win, highlighted by stellar spin bowling performances.
Spinners led Pakistan to a 90-run win over Australia to seal a T20 series victory with a game to spare on Saturday.
Australia fielded a stronger side after losing the opener of the three-match series by 19 runs but still got bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs with leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed (3-14) and Shadab Khan (3-26) sharing bulk of the wickets.
Captain Salman Ali Agha's 76 off 40 balls and Usman Khan's 53 off 36 balls had earlier propelled Pakistan to 198-5 after the home team won its second straight toss and elected to bat on yet another slow Gaddafi Stadium wicket.
"I can easily say it was a perfect game for us and we want to replicate it tomorrow,” said Agha after recording Pakistan's biggest victory over Australia in a T20. “I promoted myself at No. 3 because I know I can play spin well and intend to do the same in Sri Lanka.”
Pakistan is scheduled to play its T20 World Cup games in Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the tournament, which starts on February 7.
On Saturday, Australian batters failed to read the googlies and leg-breaks of Abrar and Shadab while Travis Head (4) fell against Saim Ayub's offspin for the second straight game when he was clean bowled of a delivery that kept low.
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