Pakistan’s top order once again set the tone with positive intent. Captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front, hammering a fluent 76 off 40 balls, blending power with control. Usman Khan continued his fine run, striking a confident 53 from 36 deliveries. Together, they powered Pakistan to 198 for 5, their highest ever T20I total against Australia.
‘We batted well and then were outstanding with the ball,’ Ali Agha said after the match. ‘The fielding was also outstanding.’ It was a simple statement, but one that reflected a complete team performance.
With the ball, Pakistan were ruthless. The bowling unit cut through Australia’s lineup, refusing to give breathing space. Abrar Ahmed led the charge with figures of 3 for 14, removing key batters from the top six and shifting the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour. The pressure never eased, and Australia were bundled out well short of the target.
Despite already sealing the series, Pakistan are not easing off. There is no talk of heavy rotation for the final match, only a desire to keep momentum alive.
‘We want to forget the 2–0 scoreline and come again with the same intensity,’ Ali Agha said. ‘We want to go into the World Cup with the same energy.’
Usman Khan echoed that confidence, making it clear the team is unfazed by
outside noise.
‘No one has seen the future,’ he said. ‘But we are playing according to our
plans. I know no one can stop me. I will keep trying to get better.’
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Their campaign begins on February 7 against the Netherlands in Colombo, the same venue that will host all their group matches, including the much anticipated clash against India.
With little time between their final warm up and the tournament opener, Pakistan appear exactly where they want to be, sharp in skill, strong in belief, and hungry to prove a point on the world stage.
