Australia vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I: Aaron Finch, Billy Stanlake Inspire Australia to 9-Wicket Win over Pakistan

Published - 02 Jul 2018, 09:37 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:53 PM

Australia's captain Aaron Finch (L) shakes hands with Pakistan players after winning the second match between Australia and Pakistan as part of a T20 tri-series which includes host country Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on July 2, 2018. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP) (Photo credit should read JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)

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Australia finally came back to winning ways after registering a comprehensive nine-wicket victory against Pakistan in the 2^nd T20I of the Tri-nation series also involving Zimbabwe.

It was a thoroughly entertaining all-round performance from Australia who was below par all through the series against England lately. They lost all the six matches before returning with a win.

Stanlake returned with career-best figures

Pakistan, on the other hand, is the No 1 side in the shortest format and was expected to start as the favourites. However, Billy Stanlake and Aaron Finch thrashed the Pakistanis and gave them a reality check with the tournament still in the early stages.

It was Aaron Finch who won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat. They got off to the worst possible start losing Mohammad Hafeez on just the 3^rd delivery of the innings. Pakistan was unable to recover from the early jolt and kept losing wickets on a consistent basis.

Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat also fell in quick succession. Pakistan was sliding down the barrel after losing skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. Pakistan’s score at that situation read 24/4. Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan scored 20 odd runs each which eventually helped Pakistan get past the 100-mark.

Pakistan was never really the game and eventually got bowled out for 116 in 19.5 overs. Billy Stanlake finished with exceptional figures of 4/8 while Andre Tye also chipped in with three each to restrict the Men in Green to a meagre score of 116 runs.

Also Read: David Warner, Steven Smith Expected to Play Grade T20 Competition

Australia’s dominance in batting

Australia was never in any discomfort what so ever. Aaron Finch was astonishing with strokeplay and took the onus on himself to do the job for Australia. After the dismissal of D’Arcy Short, it was up to Travis Head and Finch to do the job for Australia.

Head played the 2^nd fiddle to perfection and eventually remained unbeaten on 20 off 18 deliveries.

Finch, on the other hand, kept smashing bowlers all around the park. Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan both went for consecutive sixes. It was a sensational performance, as he remained unbeaten on 68 off just 33 deliveries. His innings included four fours and six sixes. It also ensured Australia reached the target in the final delivery of the 11^th over. The men in yellow will meet Zimbabwe in the 3^rd match of the competition on Tuesday.