Stoinis' blitz ensures Australia avoid series sweep
Australia saved their blushes with a 22-run win over Pakistan in the third and final Twenty20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, October 20, 2023.
Marcus Stoinis led the way for the tourists with a brilliant 40 off just 20 balls, which included three sixes and two fours, as Australia posted a total of 160-8 from their 20 overs.
Pakistan were well placed to chase down the target, reaching 93-3 in the 13th over. However, the loss of skipper Babar Azam for 66 triggered a collapse, and they were eventually all out for 138 in the 19th over.
Stoinis was named man of the match for his all-round performance, taking 1-23 from his four overs with the ball in addition to his vital runs.
The win prevented a 3-0 series sweep for Pakistan, who had won the first two matches in Karachi by five wickets and six runs respectively.
Australia will now head to the United Arab Emirates for a two-Test series against Pakistan, starting in Rawalpindi on March 4, 2023.
Innings Summary
Australia: 160-8 (20 overs)
- Marcus Stoinis 40 (20)
- Cameron Green 29 (23)
- Matthew Wade 29 (19)
Pakistan: 138 (18.5 overs)
- Babar Azam 66 (46)
- Mohammad Rizwan 32 (23)
- Mohammad Nawaz 25 (18)
Key Moments
Stoinis' blitz:
Stoinis came to the crease with Australia struggling at 83-5 in the 12th over. He immediately took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers, hitting three sixes and two fours in a quickfire 40 off just 20 balls. His innings gave Australia the momentum they needed to post a competitive total.
Babar's brilliance:
Babar Azam was the standout performer for Pakistan. He played a captain's innings, anchoring the chase with a well-paced 66 off 46 balls. He hit six fours and a six, and looked set to guide his team to victory before he was dismissed in the 13th over.
Pakistan's collapse:
Pakistan were well placed to chase down the target, reaching 93-3 in the 13th over. However, the loss of skipper Babar Azam for 66 triggered a collapse, and they were eventually all out for 138 in the 19th over. Australia's bowlers took wickets at regular intervals, and Pakistan were unable to recover from the loss of their captain.
