Zampa, Stoinis trounce Pakistan to seal clean sweep
Zampa Australia sealed a 3-0 T20I series win against Pakistan with another dominant seven-wicket victory. Pakistan, after a promising start, crumbled to 117 all out in 18.1 overs, losing their last nine wickets for just 56 runs. Adam Zampa was instrumental in their collapse, finishing with superb figures of 2-11 from four overs. Pakistan had initially reached a solid 58 for 1 in the Powerplay, thanks to Babar Azam’s aggressive 41 off 28 balls. However, Zampa’s masterful spin derailed their innings.
In reply, Marcus Stoinis made short work of the chase with a blistering unbeaten 61 off 27 balls, including a 22-run over off Haris Rauf. Australia reached the target with nearly nine overs to spare. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short were dismissed early, and Jahandad Khan’s crafty bowling kept Australia in check during the Powerplay. But Stoinis ensured there was no drama, hammering 45 off 12 balls during a devastating stretch, which included a massive 25-run over against Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan’s Early Promise
Pakistan started with intent, looking to maximize the Powerplay. Babar set the tone with a boundary off the first ball and continued attacking. His partner Haseebullah Khan also scored briskly, albeit with some fortune, as edges often found the boundary. By the end of the Powerplay, Pakistan had 58 runs, their best Powerplay score against Australia.
Zampa’s Magic
Zampa’s control and variations were Pakistan’s undoing. He dismissed Haseebullah early and later outsmarted Babar, cleaning him up as he charged down the track. Even when not taking wickets, Zampa kept the pressure on, forcing mistakes and building dot-ball pressure. His 4-0-11-2 spell was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s collapse.
Pakistan’s Woes
Pakistan’s aggressive approach was unsustainable given their fragile batting depth. Usman Khan’s wild slogging attempt resulted in a quick dismissal, and their long tail left them vulnerable. With Abbas Afridi batting at No. 7, Pakistan struggled to recover after losing wickets in clusters, a recurring issue in the series.
Stoinis Takes Charge
Haris Rauf had dominated Australia’s batters earlier in the series, but Stoinis turned the tables emphatically. With Australia at 57 for 2 after eight overs, Pakistan still had hope, but Stoinis shattered their plans. He smashed Rauf for two fours and two sixes in the ninth over, including one that sailed out of the ground. A no-ball dismissal added insult to injury for Pakistan as Stoinis continued his assault, ensuring a comfortable finish for the visitors.
Conclusion
Australia’s clinical performance capped a flawless series. Pakistan showed glimpses of promise, particularly in the Powerplay, but their frailty with the bat and inability to sustain pressure ultimately cost them lisalavoie.com.