Sydney, Nov 16, 2024 (BSS/AFP) – Haris Rauf’s fiery spell of 4-22 helped Pakistan restrict Australia to 147-9 in the second T20 of their series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Despite a strong start from the hosts, Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abbas Afridi with an impressive 3-17, turned the game around. However, sloppy fielding and dropped catches marred Pakistan's performance.Matthew Short was the top scorer for Australia with 32.
Opting to bat first in front of a lively crowd, Australia stormed to a blistering start, smashing 21 runs off Shaheen Shah Afridi's opening over. Jake Fraser-McGurk hammered 18 of those but was given a lifeline when Naseem Shah dropped him on the fourth ball he faced. Short added to the fireworks by hitting Naseem for six on his first ball, continuing the aggressive approach.
Fraser-McGurk and Short put together a thrilling 52-run stand in just 22 balls before Rauf turned the tide. He dismissed Fraser-McGurk (20) with a deep catch by Salman Agha and removed Josh Inglis (0) shortly after, caught by Sufiyan Muqeem at point. Abbas Afridi then bowled Short for 32, sparking a collapse as Australia lost three wickets for just four runs.
Marcus Stoinis survived two dropped catches but was eventually dismissed for 14, reverse-sweeping to Muqeem. The wrist-spinner also removed Glenn Maxwell (21) as Australia’s scoring slowed.
Big-hitter Tim David managed 18 before falling to Rauf, who also bowled Xavier Bartlett (5) to claim his fourth wicket. Aaron Hardie contributed a late 28 before Abbas Afridi dismissed him and Spencer Johnson in the final over.
Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the rain-affected first T20 in Brisbane, a seven-over contest, by 29 runs.
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