Second T20I: Pakistan set 151-run target for Australia
CANBERRA (92 News) – Pakistan set 151-run target for Australia in the second T20 international of a three-match series at Canberra on Tuesday.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia. The match started at 1:10pm.
The Green Shirts completed their innings with 150 runs on the scoreboard for the loss of six wickets.
The visitors were 106-5 after 16 overs. However, Iftikhar Ahmed's 62-run knock of 34 balls raised the target set for Australia. Skipper Babar Azam put 50 runs on the scoreboard.
Ashton Agar picked up two wickets for Australia while Pat Cummins and Kane Richardson took a single wicket each. Azam and Imad Wasim were sent back to the stands as a result of run outs.
The first T20 between Pakistan and Australia in Sydney ended without a result after it was called off on Sunday due to rain.
Australia were 41-0 after 3.1 overs in pursuit of their revised 119-run target against Pakistan on Sunday when rain interrupted play for the second time, eventually forcing the first T20I – already reduced to 15 overs – to be abandoned.
Following a rain delay in Pakistan’s innings, a revised target of 119 runs from 15 overs was set for Australia. The match was reduced to 15 overs of play per side following the delay.
With senior pacemen Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins at the helm, Australia’s bowlers have conceded less than 7.5 runs an over in the first four games of the summer.
Their performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan mark the first time an Australian attack has done that in four straight games since way back in 2009-10.
It’s the first time Australia have run out anything close to their best attack in the format since way back in 2016.
“It’s nice to have Mitchell Starc running in with the new ball and then at the death with the spinners through the middle,” vice-captain Alex Carey said ahead pf Tuesday’s second Twenty20 International against Pakistan at the Manuka Oval. “Kane Richardson has been fantastic with the new ball and at the death again.
“And Pat Cummins, wherever you need him. It’s a really well-balanced squad at the moment. “It’s nice to have a very role-specific side together. Players are feeling really confident in their roles and executing their roles.”
Richardson has especially come of age with his tight spells, going at less than a run a ball in three of the four matches.
He and Starc both claimed two wickets in Sunday’s rain-marred clash against Pakistan, and arrive in Canberra full of confidence for the second game of the three-match series against the tourists.
