Spencer Johnson's heroics lead Australia to victory over Pakistan in T20 series

New Delhi: Australia secured a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series after a thrilling 13-run victory over Pakistan in the second T20 match. The Australian bowlers, captained by Spencer Johnson, put on a stellar performance to restrict Pakistan to 134 runs in 19.4 overs. Despite Usman Khan's impressive half-century, Pakistan fell short of the target set by Australia, who posted a total of 147 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. Johnson was the standout performer for Australia, claiming five wickets for 26 runs in his four overs.

Johnson shook the top order of Pakistan due to which the Pakistan team failed to chase the target. For Pakistan, Usman Khan scored 52 runs and Irfan Khan scored an unbeaten 37, but no other batsman of the team could make an effective contribution. Captain Mohammad Rizwan (16) was only the third batsman of the team to cross double figures. Apart from Johnson, Adam Zampa took two wickets and Xavier Bartlett took one wicket for Australia.

Superb bowling by Rauf-Afridi:
The Australian team had lost the ODI series against Pakistan on home ground, but the team made a comeback in the T20 series and won it. Earlier, after winning the toss and deciding to bat, Matthew Short (32 runs in 17 balls) and Jack Fraser McGurk (20 runs in 8 balls) gave Australia a quick start by sharing 50 runs in 20 balls. Fast bowlers Haris Rauf (four wickets for 22 runs) and Abbas Afridi (three wickets for 17 runs) then helped Pakistan come back with their superb bowling.

In Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over, McGurk hit three fours and a six in consecutive balls, while Matthew Short welcomed Naseem Shah with a six and a four. Rauf dismissed McGurk and English in his first over while Abbas sent Short to the pavilion. Marcus Stoinis (14) failed to take advantage of two easy lives and was caught by Abbas off Sufiyan Muqeem. Glenn Maxwell became the second victim of this bowler, scoring 21 runs in 20 balls. Rauf then took the wickets of Tim David and Xavier Bartlett, but Aaron Hardy took Australia to a competitive score with an innings of 28 runs in 23 balls.