Pakistan Sets 199-Run Target Against Australia in 2nd T20

LAHORE: (Web Desk) – In the second T20 match at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 198 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, setting Australia a target of 199 to win. Winning the toss and opting to bat first proved to be a smart decision for the home side.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 5 runs. However, Saim Ayub played a short but aggressive knock, scoring 23 runs off 11 balls.

Captain Salman Agha led from the front with an impressive 76 runs off 40 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes, providing a solid platform for a big total.

Star batter Babar Azam managed only 2 runs, while wicket-keeper Usman Khan contributed a crucial 52 runs off 35 balls to push the score further.

In the final overs, Shadab Khan played an unbeaten 29-run cameo, while Mohammad Nawaz added 9 runs off 3 balls, boosting the run rate.

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Australia’s Adam Zampa was the most economical bowler, with other bowlers taking one wicket each. Pakistan scored 59 runs in the last five overs, putting pressure on the Australian batting lineup to chase down the challenging total.

The official kit launch for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign was cancelled ahead of the match.

The outcome of Australia’s response will determine whether Pakistan’s aggressive batting in the final overs pays off.