Marcus Stoinis’ explosive half-century powered Australia to a convincing seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in the third T20I, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Chasing a modest target of 118, Australia secured the win with 52 balls to spare, despite an early wobble.
Australia’s chase started shakily as openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (2) and Matthew Short (18) fell within the first four overs, leaving the team at 30/2. Captain Josh Inglis and Stoinis then steadied the innings with a crucial 55-run partnership. Inglis scored 27 off 24 balls before being dismissed in the 10th over.
Stoinis then took charge, unleashing an aggressive batting display. He reached his fifth T20I half-century in just 25 balls and remained unbeaten on 67 off 27, hitting five sixes and five fours. Australia comfortably wrapped up the chase in just 11.2 overs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, and Abbas Afridi each took a wicket, but their efforts could not contain Stoinis’ fiery knock.
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat but struggled to build momentum. Opener Sahibzada Farhan fell early for nine, while Babar Azam and Haseebullah Khan added a steady 44 runs for the second wicket. However, Haseebullah’s dismissal for 24 in the seventh over triggered a collapse.
Babar top-scored with 41 off 28 balls before being bowled by Adam Zampa in the 13th over. Pakistan’s innings unraveled, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Shaheen Afridi added a late 16-run cameo, but the team was bowled out for just 117 in 19.5 overs.
Australia’s bowlers dominated, with Aaron Hardie claiming three wickets. Zampa and Spencer Johnson picked up two each, while Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis shared two wickets.
The comprehensive series victory reflects Australia’s dominance, leaving Pakistan to reassess their performance as they look ahead.
Scorecard: Pakistan: 117 all out (19.5 overs) Babar Azam 41 (28), Haseebullah 24 (19), Shaheen Afridi 16 (10) Australia: 118/3 (11.2 overs) Marcus Stoinis 67* (27), Josh Inglis
[embedpost slug="/pak-vs-aus-pakistan-reveals-playing-xi-for-third-t20i/"]
