Stoinis’ Blitz and Zampa’s Spin Help Australia Seal Series Sweep Over Pakistan

Australia capped off their dominant performance in the T20I series with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final match at Hobart. Marcus Stoinis’ explosive 61* off 27 balls overshadowed a brittle batting display from Pakistan, as Australia chased down the paltry target of 118 with more than eight overs to spare.

Pakistan’s Collapse
After being put in to bat, Pakistan started strong, posting their highest-ever PowerPlay score against Australia, reaching 58/1. Babar Azam was at his fluent best early on, delighting with his trademark strokes, while Sahibzada Farhan chipped in with a couple of boundaries. However, Farhan was undone by Spencer Johnson’s extra bounce, and debutant Haseebullah’s nervy stay ended at 10 as he fell trying to accelerate against Adam Zampa.

Pakistan’s middle order crumbled spectacularly, with Aaron Hardie and Zampa dismantling the innings. Hardie claimed 3/21, including the wickets of Usman Khan and stand-in skipper Agha Salman, while Zampa delivered a double blow, castling Babar and removing Haseebullah. What seemed like a promising start turned into a collapse, with Pakistan folding for 117 in 18.1 overs. Late resistance from Jahandad Khan and Shaheen Afridi ensured Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark.

Stoinis Takes Charge
Australia’s chase began shakily as openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk fell cheaply, attempting aggressive shots. However, Marcus Stoinis entered at No.4 and immediately changed the momentum. His brutal assault began with a 22-run over off Haris Rauf and continued with a 25-run thrashing of Shaheen Afridi. Stoinis’ knock included four fours and five massive sixes, sealing the series with a show of pure power hitting.

While skipper Josh Inglis played a more subdued role, finishing on 11*, Stoinis’ fireworks ensured Australia breezed to 118/3 in just 11.2 overs, completing a 3-0 series sweep.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan: 117 all out in 18.1 overs (Babar Azam 41; Aaron Hardie 3-21, Adam Zampa 2-11)
Australia: 118/3 in 11.2 overs (Marcus Stoinis 61*; Abbas Afridi 1-14)
Result: Australia won by seven wickets

Australia’s clinical all-round display highlighted the gap between the two teams in this series, with their bowlers and power hitters proving too good for a faltering Pakistan.