LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the national men’s cricket team for winning the series against Australia in the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Opting to bat first in the high-stakes match, the Green Shirts piled up 198/5 in 20 overs with half-centuries from captain Agha and wicket-keeper batsman Usman Khan to register their highest score against Australia in a T20I.
Chasing a tough 199-run target, the 2021 champions’ batting unit was decimated by the Pakistan spinners, who shared all 10 wickets for the first time in the shorter format, and only the second time during a T20I between two full-member nations.
Abrar Ahmed and Shatab Khan combined to lead Pakistan’s bowling with three wickets each, Usman Tariq bagged two wickets and Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz bagged one each.
The win left the 2009 champions 2-0 down in the series and serves as the final preparation for both teams heading into the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
The green shirts’ dominant win earned them warm praise from PCB chairman Naqvi, who attributed it to their teamwork and the professionalism of the players. He particularly credited Pakistan captain Agha and head coach Mike Hesson with pride.
“Pakistan players showed great teamwork to take an unassailable lead in the series against Australia. Head coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Agha and all the players did well,” Naqvi said in a statement released by the PCB.
“The credit for winning the series against a strong team like Australia goes to the hard work and professionalism of the players. The team’s good combination played a major role in the win,” he added.
He further expressed hope that the team will continue its winning streak in future assignments.
“I hope the national team will fulfill the expectations of cricket fans with similar activities in future,” Naqvi concluded.
The third and final T20 match of the ongoing series will be held at the same venue on Sunday.