Australia defeat Pakistan in 2nd T20I, seal series

Spencer Johnson's stunning 5-wicket haul helped Australia clinch a 13-run victory over Pakistan in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, securing a 2-0 series win.

Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan were bowled out for just 134 in 19.4 overs, with Johnson's brilliant spell of 5-26 proving pivotal in Australia’s triumph. Despite a valiant 52 from Usman Khan and a fighting 37 from Irfan Khan Niazi, the visitors fell short of the target.

Pakistan's top order showed some resistance, with Usman Khan bringing up his maiden T20I half-century, while Niazi remained unbeaten on 37.

However, Johnson's key breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, restricted Pakistan's progress as they lost their final five wickets for just 30 runs.

Earlier, Pakistan's bowlers made a strong comeback after Australia’s openers, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, provided a quick start, putting on a 48-run partnership in just over three overs.

However, the tide turned when Haris Rauf struck twice in his first over, removing Fraser-McGurk (20 off 9) and Australian captain Josh Inglis for a duck.

Rauf continued to dominate with figures of 4-22, dismissing Tim David (18) and Xavier Bartlett (5), while Abbas Afridi supported with 3-17, including an impressive final over that conceded only six runs and saw him take two wickets.

Australia's total of 147-9 was built around contributions from Glenn Maxwell (21) and Marcus Stoinis (14), but the Pakistani bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Rookie spinner Sufiyan Muqeem claimed two wickets, including the key scalps of Stoinis and Maxwell, to help Pakistan keep Australia in check.

With the series already secured, both teams will now look ahead to the third and final T20I on Monday, where Pakistan will seek to avoid a whitewash.

Teams

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