Australia wrapped up a dominant T20 series against Pakistan with a comprehensive victory in the final match at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval. The visitors were bowled out for a meager 117 runs, continuing a streak of underwhelming performances in the series.
Standout Australian bowler Aaron Hardie claimed 3-21, while spinners and pacers alike played pivotal roles in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Australia had already secured the series with wins in Brisbane and Sydney, and their emphatic finish in Hobart underscored their dominance throughout the campaign.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan made a promising start with Babar Azam leading the charge. However, despite a solid foundation at 62-1, the team succumbed to a relentless Australian bowling attack and crumbled in the 19th over.
Key Moments in Pakistan’s Innings:
- Early Setback: Opener Sahibzada Farhan managed just seven balls before falling to a short-pitched delivery from Spencer Johnson, caught by Xavier Bartlett.
- Azam’s Elegance: Skipper Babar Azam exhibited his trademark elegance, scoring 41 runs and forming a swift partnership of 44 runs with Haseebullah Khan.
- Spin Trouble: Adam Zampa’s spin proved too much for Haseebullah, who edged a delivery to Matt Short after scoring 24.
- Middle-Order Collapse: Pakistan’s middle order offered little resistance, with Usman Khan, Salman Agha, and others falling cheaply.
The tailenders, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, provided brief entertainment, with Afridi hitting the only six of the innings before the Australian bowlers mopped up the lower order.
Australian Bowlers Shine
Their bowlers, led by Aaron Hardie, executed their plans with precision, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Bowling Highlights:
- Aaron Hardie: Delivered an outstanding spell, taking 3-21 and breaking crucial partnerships.
- Adam Zampa: Claimed 2-22, showcasing his ability to trouble batsmen with spin.
- Spencer Johnson: Fresh from a five-wicket haul in Sydney, Johnson picked up 2-19, setting the tone early with Farhan’s dismissal.
A Concern for Australia
While Australia celebrated another commanding win, a potential setback emerged with Glenn Maxwell leaving the field midway through the match due to an apparent hamstring injury. Maxwell’s condition will be closely monitored, as his all-round skills are integral to Australia’s plans in upcoming competitions.
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Pakistan’s Struggles
Pakistan’s batting woes throughout the series have been a major concern. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as Babar Azam’s contributions, the team struggled to build partnerships or counter the Australian bowling attack effectively.
Key issues included:
- Lack of Depth in Batting: The middle order failed to stabilize the innings, contributing to repeated collapses.
- Poor Shot Selection: Reckless shots, including attempts to slog Hardie and Zampa, resulted in soft dismissals.
- Inconsistent Performances: Players like Haseebullah Khan and Shaheen Afridi showed glimpses of promise but couldn’t sustain their efforts.
Australia’s Dominance
Australia’s performance throughout the series demonstrated their depth and adaptability in T20 cricket. Despite missing some key players, the hosts controlled every aspect of the game, from bowling to fielding.
Their lineup, featuring rising stars like Jake Fraser-McGurk and seasoned campaigners like Adam Zampa, reflects a well-balanced squad ready for tougher challenges ahead.
Match Summary
- Location: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
- Result: Australia defeated Pakistan by bowling them out for 117 in the final T20 match of the series.
- Top Performers:
- Babar Azam: Top-scored for Pakistan with 41 runs.
- Aaron Hardie: Starred with the ball, taking 3-21.
- Spencer Johnson: Continued his strong form, claiming 2-19.
Moving Forward
For Pakistan, this series serves as a wake-up call to address critical gaps in their T20 setup, including middle-order consistency and better utilization of powerplay overs. Meanwhile, Australia’s dominance highlights their preparation for future tournaments, with emerging talents stepping up to the plate.
