Spencer Johnson's Record-Breaking Spell Secures T20 Series for Aus

Spencer Johnson delivered a historic performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground, recording the best-ever figures by an Australian fast bowler in men's T20 internationals to lead Australia to a thrilling 13-run victory over Pakistan.  

Defending 147 for nine, Johnson's remarkable five for 26 dismantled Pakistan's chase, ensuring Australia sealed an unassailable 2-0 series lead. His effort surpassed James Faulkner's previous Australian T20 best of five for 27, achieved in 2016.  

Turning the Tide  

Johnson's night began shakily, conceding 12 runs in his first over, including a wide that raced to the boundary. However, the left-arm quick rebounded brilliantly, claiming his first-ever five-wicket haul in white-ball cricket.  

He dismissed captain Mohammad Rizwan for 16 and Salman Agha for a first-ball duck in quick succession, leaving Pakistan floundering at 44 for four. A spirited 58-run stand between Usman Khan (52) and Irfan Khan (37) reignited Pakistan's hopes, but Johnson returned to snare Usman with a mistimed pull shot and removed Abbas Afridi in the same over.  

Adam Zampa complemented Johnson's heroics with figures of two for 19, cleaning up Pakistan's tail. With 16 runs needed off the final over, a run-out of Haris Rauf sealed the game for Australia.  

Australia’s Batting Stutters After Blistering Start  

Earlier, openers Matthew Short (32 off 17) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (20 off nine) gave Australia a flying start, smashing 47 runs off the first 15 balls. However, Pakistan's bowlers, led by Haris Rauf (four for 22), applied the brakes, limiting Australia to just 100 runs in the remaining 105 deliveries.  

Josh Inglis fell for a duck, and wickets tumbled as the visitors adjusted their strategy with slower balls. Aaron Hardie’s 28 off 23 offered some resistance, but Australia's innings lacked consistency after the early fireworks.  

Series in Hand, Final Game Awaits  

With the win, Australia claimed the T20 series after Pakistan's earlier triumph in the ODI leg. The teams will face off in the third and final T20 in Hobart, where Pakistan will seek a consolation victory to conclude their Australian tour.