In the third and final T20 match held in Hobart, Australia convincingly defeated Pakistan to complete a series clean sweep. The national team, led by Salman Ali Agha, struggled with the bat and could not match the hosts’ dominant performance, leaving fans disappointed.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first, but the decision backfired as the team faltered under Australia’s sharp bowling attack.
- Opening Pair:
Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam opened the innings but failed to provide a solid start. Farhan was dismissed cheaply for just 9 runs, continuing his poor form throughout the series. - Middle Order Collapse:
Despite a promising knock of 41 runs by former captain Babar Azam, the middle order failed to capitalize. Usman Khan, who had impressed with a half-century in the previous game, managed only 3 runs. Captain Salman Ali Agha also disappointed, scoring just 1 run off 9 balls.
Other notable performances included:
- Haseebullah: A steady 24 runs before being dismissed.
- Shaheen Afridi: A late effort of 16 runs.
Pakistan’s innings folded at 117 runs in just 19.1 overs, falling well short of a competitive target.
Australia’s Bowling Masterclass
The Australian bowlers, led by Aaron Hardy, dominated Pakistan’s batting lineup. Key contributions included:
- Aaron Hardy: 3 wickets, breaking the backbone of Pakistan’s innings.
- Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa: 2 wickets each, showcasing exceptional control and precision.
- Nathan Ellis and Bartlett: 1 wicket apiece, providing crucial breakthroughs.
Australia’s disciplined bowling left Pakistan struggling for partnerships and unable to play the full 20 overs.
Australia’s Chase: A Walk in the Park
Chasing a modest target of 118, Australia made short work of the run chase, achieving victory in just 11.5 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
- Top Order Wobbles:
Openers Jack Fraser (18) and Matthew Short (2) departed early, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Jahandad Khan striking for Pakistan. - Marcus Stoinis Shines:
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis played a match-winning knock, smashing an unbeaten 61 off just 27 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 5 sixes, leaving the Pakistani bowlers helpless. - Captain Josh Inglis:
The Australian skipper contributed 27 runs off 24 balls, stabilizing the innings before Stoinis took over.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, and Abbas Afridi picked up one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to stop Australia’s dominance.
Key Performances in the Match
Pakistan:
- Babar Azam: Top-scored with 41 runs but lacked support from other batters.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Contributed 16 runs with the bat and took 1 wicket with the ball.
Australia:
- Marcus Stoinis: A destructive innings of 61 not out, sealing the game for Australia.
- Aaron Hardy: Crucial 3-wicket haul that dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Series Recap
The T20 series proved to be a one-sided affair as Australia outclassed Pakistan in all departments, securing a 3-0 clean sweep. The national team’s inability to post competitive totals and adapt to Australian conditions raised concerns about their preparations and strategy.
Match Highlights:
- Pakistan’s highest score in the series: 155 runs in the second T20.
- Australia’s dominant performances with both bat and ball showcased their depth and form.
Looking Ahead
The series loss serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s cricket management. Key areas requiring immediate attention include:
- Middle Order Stability: Addressing frequent collapses to ensure competitive totals.
- Consistency in Bowling: Supporting efforts from players like Shaheen Afridi with disciplined spells.
- Adaptability to Conditions: Preparing players to handle different pitches and match scenarios effectively.
For Australia, the series reinforced their position as a top T20 side. With players like Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardy delivering under pressure, they have plenty to build on for upcoming challenges.
Squads in the Final Match
Pakistan Playing XI:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Babar Azam
- Haseebullah
- Usman Khan
- Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi
- Abbas Afridi
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Jahandad Khan
- Haris Rauf
- Sufian Moqim
Australia Playing XI:
- Jack Fraser
- Matthew Short
- Josh Inglis (Captain)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Tim David
- Marcus Stoinis
- Aaron Hardy
- Xavier Bartlett
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
Australia’s clean sweep over Pakistan highlights a significant gap in performance levels between the two teams. As Pakistan regroups to address their shortcomings, fans hope for a better display in future series. Meanwhile, Australia’s emphatic win solidifies their status as a cricketing powerhouse in the shortest format.
