Pakistan limited Australia to 147-9 in the second T20 game of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, thanks to a 4-22 by Haris Rauf.
The hosts gave a great start after winning the toss while Pakistan bowled exceptionally well to set the back the side, Abbas Afridi took 3-17.
However, their solidity in the field was a big dampener with the number of drops that were made. Matthew Short led the run-making efforts for his side and made 32.
Choosing to bat first before a packed stand, Australia went bonkers and scored 21 runs off the first over bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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Jake Fraser-McGurk dispatched 18 of them but was careful after being put down by Naseem at the fourth delivery he faced.
Short then slashed the first delivery from Shah to the fence as the two more took over to take the aggression into the following over.
The pair came up with a thrilling 52-run partnership for the first wicket that was made off 22 balls before Rauf sent packing two batsmen in three balls.
After coaxing Fraser-McGurk (20) for another drive that was well run out by Salman Agha, he got a leading edge from Josh Inglis (0) that was taken at point by Sufiyan Muqeem.
Pakistan had their tails up and Short quickly followed for 32, caught, and bowled Abbas Afridi as three wickets fell for four.
Marcus Stoinis, the Afghan’s Muslim name, Momo, was dropped twice but eventually dismissed on 14 as he attempted a reverse sweep off Muqeem, drafted into the side in place of Haseebullah Khan.
Muqeem’s wrist spin then dismissed dangerman Glenn Maxwell (21) as the run rate plummeted.
Rauf got rid of big-hitter Tim David for 18 and he took his fourth when he dismissed Xavier Bartlett (5). Aaron Hardie scored a useful 28 before Abbas Afridi cleaned him up and then dismissed Spencer Johnson in the process. The home side leads the series 1-0 after a washout hit match was shortened to seven balls per side on Thursday in Brisbane.y Rauf for 18 and he bagged his fourth by bowling Xavier Bartlett (5). Aaron Hardie made a handy 28 before Abbas Afridi removed him and Spencer Johnson in successive balls in the final over.
The hosts lead the series 1-0 after winning a rain-hit match reduced to seven overs a side in Brisbane on Thursday by 29 runs.
1. How many wickets did Haris Rauf take in the match?
Haris Rauf took 4 wickets, playing a key role in restricting Australia to 147-9.
2. What was Australia’s total score in the match?
Australia scored 147 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs.
3. Where was the 2nd T20 between Pakistan and Australia played?
The exact venue needs confirmation, but it was held in Australia as part of Pakistan’s tour.
4. How economical was Haris Rauf during his spell?
Haris Rauf bowled a highly economical spell, keeping Australia’s batters in check. The exact economy rate would depend on the number of overs he bowled, typically 4 in a T20 match.
5. Who supported Haris Rauf in Pakistan’s bowling lineup?
While Rauf was the standout bowler, the other Pakistani bowlers contributed effectively by maintaining pressure and taking wickets at crucial moments.
6. Did any Australian batter play a standout innings?
No Australian batter managed a significant score, as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack restricted their performance.
7. Was 147 a competitive total on this pitch?
The competitiveness of 147 depends on the pitch conditions and the quality of Pakistan’s batting lineup. It is considered a par or slightly below-par total in modern T20 cricket.
8. What are Pakistan’s chances of chasing the target?
Pakistan stands a strong chance of chasing the target of 148, provided their top-order batsmen perform well and avoid losing wickets early.
9. Is Haris Rauf known for such performances?
Yes, Haris Rauf is recognized as a high-impact bowler in T20 cricket, often delivering crucial spells with his pace and precision.
10. What is the current status of the T20 series between Pakistan and Australia?
This match was the 2nd T20 of the series. The series status will depend on the result of this game and the first T20.