Lahore, January 31, 2026 — Pakistan sealed a dominant 90-run victory over Australia in the second T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday to secure the three-match series 2–0, clinching their first T20I series win over Australia in seven years.
After blistering half-centuries from captain Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan, Pakistan posted a formidable 198 for 5 before spinning a web around the Australian batting lineup, dismissing the visitors for 108 in 15.4 overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 199, Australia struggled from the outset and never recovered. All-rounder Cameron Green was the top-scorer with a 20-ball 35, followed by Matthew Short with 27 off 23 deliveries. Only captain Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) managed double figures as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated proceedings.
Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan led the bowling attack with three wickets apiece, while Usman Tariq claimed two. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one wicket each to complete a comprehensive bowling performance.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Agha’s decision to bat first after winning the toss paid rich dividends, despite an early setback. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for five in the second over with 17 runs on the board.
Agha then steadied the innings alongside Saim Ayub, putting on a brisk 55-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub was dismissed on the final ball of the powerplay for a quickfire 23 off 11 balls, which included four boundaries.
Pakistan suffered another blow shortly after when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam lbw for just two, reducing the hosts to 76 for 3 in the 7.1th over. However, Agha continued his attacking display and stitched together a crucial 49-run stand with Shadab Khan for the fourth wicket.
The Pakistan skipper brought up his sixth T20I half-century off just 25 deliveries before falling in the 13th over to Sean Abbott, finishing as the top-scorer with a superb 76 off 40 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.
Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, batting at No. 5, ensured Pakistan maintained momentum in the latter stages, registering his second T20I fifty with a composed yet aggressive 52 off 35 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes. He also shared a vital 63-run partnership with Shadab, who contributed 28 off 20 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz added a quick 10 off four deliveries.
For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly, and Sean Abbott picked up one wicket each.
The third and final T20I of the series will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
