Pakistan batting lineup faltered under pressure, collapsing to a mere 117 runs in the third and final T20I against Australia at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on Monday.
With this low score, the visitors have already suffered a 2-0 series loss, highlighting their struggle to adapt to Australia’s conditions and bowling dominance.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan’s innings unravelled within 18.1 overs. Star batter of Pakistan Babar Azam was the only player to offer resistance, crafting a valiant 41 off 28 deliveries. His knock, laced with five boundaries, briefly offered a glimpse of hope. Haseebullah Khan contributed 24 runs from 19 balls, but the rest of the lineup failed to support their captain.
Pakistan’s middle and lower order succumbed to a relentless Australian attack, with wickets tumbling in quick succession. Key players fell to poor shot selection and Australia’s disciplined bowling, leaving the team unable to build partnerships or set a competitive target.
Hardie Leads Australia’s Bowling Onslaught
Australia’s Aaron Hardie emerged as the standout bowler, dismantling Pakistan’s batting with precision and aggression. Hardie claimed three crucial wickets in his full quota of four overs, conceding just 21 runs. His deliveries consistently challenged the batters, exploiting Pakistan’s inability to counter the bounce and movement on offer.
Support came from the rest of Australia’s bowling unit, which maintained tight lines and applied consistent pressure. Fielding brilliance further compounded Pakistan’s woes, with Australian fielders taking sharp catches and preventing easy singles.
Series Recap and Concerns for Pakistan
This latest collapse underscores persistent concerns about Pakistan’s batting frailty in high-pressure situations. The team’s inability to adapt to challenging conditions and counter Australia’s bowling attack has been a recurring theme throughout the series.
For Australia, which need 118 runs in their innings, this expected victory cements their dominance in the T20I series. Their well-rounded performance, featuring both a formidable bowling unit and a cohesive batting approach, outclassed the visitors at every turn.
As Pakistan heads home, questions loom over their strategy and lineup ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Addressing these issues will be critical if they aim to compete effectively against top-tier teams in future tournaments.
