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Fast bowler Spencer Johnson delivered a stunning performance, taking 5-26 to lead Australia to a thrilling 13-run win over Pakistan in Sydney on Saturday, securing the three-match T20 series with one game remaining.
Chasing a modest target of 148 after Haris Rauf's impressive 4-22 restricted the hosts, Pakistan managed 134 before being bowled out in the final over, despite a spirited 52 from Usman Khan.
Australia had already claimed victory in the rain-affected opener in Brisbane by 29 runs, with the final match set to take place in Hobart on Monday.
"We thought we were there or thereabouts and I thought the way the bowlers went about it was brilliant," said Australian captain Josh Inglis.
"There's so many options in this team I can go to. Every time I turned to Johnson tonight, he got a wicket. The way they played tonight was really good."
Australia made an early impact by dismissing Babar Azam (3) in the second over, with Xavier Bartlett striking a crucial blow. Pakistan’s struggles deepened when Spencer Johnson removed Sahibzada Farhan (5).
Scoring proved difficult, and after a 26-ball stay for 16 runs, skipper Mohammad Rizwan attempted to accelerate but was caught by Tim David with a diving effort off Johnson's bowling. Johnson struck again immediately, dismissing Salman Agha caught behind by Josh Inglis, leaving Pakistan reeling at 44-4 after 10 overs.
Usman Khan steadied the innings and reached his maiden T20 half-century, but Johnson returned to dismiss Abbas Afridi (4), securing his first five-wicket haul in just his seventh T20 appearance. Adam Zampa added to Pakistan’s woes with two quick wickets, ensuring they couldn’t mount a recovery.
Earlier, Australia posted 147-9 after a strong start, but several dropped catches by Pakistan ultimately proved costly.
"If you take the positives, the boys bowled very well. We know Australia is not an easy team," said Rizwan.
"But if you drop crucial catches, it will cost you the game.
"We all know the pitch wasn't easy to bat," he added.
Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short delivered an explosive start for Australia, putting together a rapid 52-run partnership in just 22 balls. However, Haris Rauf shifted the momentum with two wickets in three deliveries.
Rauf first dismissed Fraser-McGurk (20), who was caught in the deep by Salman Agha, and then claimed Josh Inglis (0), who offered a leading edge. Pakistan capitalized on the breakthrough as Shaheen Afridi bowled Short (32), triggering a collapse with three wickets falling for just four runs.
Marcus Stoinis survived two dropped catches but eventually fell for 14, reverse-sweeping to Sufiyan Muqeem, who replaced Haseebullah Khan in the lineup. Muqeem's wrist spin also removed Glenn Maxwell (21) as Pakistan tightened their grip on the innings.
Rauf returned to dismiss Tim David (18) and bowled Xavier Bartlett (5) to complete a four-wicket haul. Aaron Hardie provided a late contribution with 28, but Afridi wrapped up the innings in the final over by dismissing Hardie and Spencer Johnson in consecutive deliveries.
