LAHORE: Pakistan delivered a ruthless all-round display to overwhelm Australia in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, clinching the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Defending a challenging total of 198 for five, Pakistan’s bowlers spearheaded by a dominant spin attack routed Australia for just 108 in 15.4 overs to register a comprehensive 90-run victory.

Cameron Green was Australia’s top scorer with a 35 off 20 balls, while Matthew Short contributed 27 from 23 deliveries. Skipper Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures in a disappointing chase.

Pakistan’s spinners led the charge, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claiming three wickets apiece, while Usman Tariq chipped in with two. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz also picked up a wicket each to complete the collapse.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha capitalised on winning the toss and electing to bat, steering his side to a commanding total with a blistering knock, supported by a late flourish from wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan.

The hosts made a shaky start, losing Sahibzada Farhan for five in the second over with just 17 runs on the board. However, Agha quickly seized control in a stabilising partnership with Saim Ayub, ensuring Pakistan maintained momentum through the powerplay.

Agha dominated the stand, while Ayub provided an explosive cameo, scoring 23 off 11 balls with four boundaries before falling to Cooper Connolly on the final ball of the powerplay. Pakistan then lost Babar Azam cheaply, trapped lbw by Adam Zampa for two, slipping to 76 for three in 7.1 overs.

Unfazed, Agha continued his counter-attacking approach and shifted the momentum decisively through a rapid partnership with Shadab Khan. The skipper brought up his sixth T20I half-century off just 25 balls and went on to top-score with a scintillating 76 from 40 deliveries, laced with eight fours and four sixes.

Australia finally found relief when Sean Abbott dismissed Agha in the 13th over, breaking a dangerous 49 run stand. At the death, Usman Khan ensured a strong finish, registering his second T20I half-century with a composed 52 off 35 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Usman also shared a vital 63-run partnership with Shadab Khan, who chipped in with 28 off 20 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz added a quick-fire 10 off four deliveries to lift Pakistan to 198.

For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly and Sean Abbott picked up one wicket each.

In reply, Australia never found rhythm as Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals and kept the scoring rate in check, eventually dismissing the visitors for 108 to seal the series with a match to spare.