T20I Tri Series 2018, Pakistan vs Australia - Pakistan Stun Australia in Finale

Pakistan clinched the final of the T20I Tri-series against Australia by six wickets courtesy some exceptional batting performance by Fakhar Zaman and Shoaib Malik.

Despite spectacular knocks from the blade of Finch and D’Arcy Short, Australia couldn’t get over the line. Mohammad Amir was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with figures of 3/33 while Shadab Khan also chipped in with a couple.

It was Australian skipper, Aaron Finch who won the toss and for the first time in the series, they opted to bat. Openers Finch and D’ Arcy Short came out in the middle begin proceedings.

Both the openers began with some exquisite shots which got Australia off to a flying start. Short, in particular, took the Pakistan bowlers to the cleaners and smashed seven fours and four sixes during his stunning knock of 76 off 53 deliveries.

His partner Finch, on the other end, was quite brilliant as well. After sharing a 95-run stand with Short, it was Shadab Khan who brought about his downfall at the score of 47 off 27 deliveries. His innings decorated with a couple of fours and three big hits over the fence. The Pakistan bowlers made a sensational comeback from there and stalled the Aussie progress.

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Pakistan’s impressive all-round showing

They bowled in the perfect areas and didn’t allow the Aussies to get under the ball. The Men in Green bowled in the block holes which had Australia under a bit of pressure in the last few overs.

From 146/2, Australia was reduced to 117/8 in the final over. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, as Australia could manage 183/8 in their allotted 20 overs. There was a time when 200 looked a certainty.

Pakistan needed to get off to a solid start to harbor hopes of chasing the total down. However, it was exactly the opposite. The No 1 side in T20I cricket lost the wickets of Sahibzada Farhan and Husain Talat in the opening over. Sarfraz Ahmed came out in the middle to join Fakhar Zaman, and the duo shared effective partnership.

Fakhar batted quite brilliantly and struck some exceptional shots. He reminded everyone of his stunning knock in the Champions Trophy final. The left-hander who was due for runs went after the bowlers from the outset despite the loss of two quick wickets. Despite the wicket of Sarfraz, Pakistan kept their hopes alive, as Zaman combined to bat brilliantly with Shoaib Malik.

The duo shared a 107-run stand to get Pakistan within touching distance of the victory target. Zaman was dismissed falling nine short of a well deserved century. Malik kept going and eventually sealed the deal for Pakistan.

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Brief Scores

Australia 183/8 in 20 overs (D’Arcy Short 76, Aaron Finch 47, Mohammad Amir 3/33)

Pakistan 187/4 in 19.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 91, Shoaib Malik 43*, Glenn Maxwell 2/35)