Cameron Green was not happy with Usman Tariq’s bowling action during Australia’s 90-run loss to Pakistan in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
The Aussie all-rounder looked visibly upset, motioning that the Pakistani ‘spinner’ was throwing the ball.
On the second-last ball of the 11th over of the Australian innings, Pakistan’s Usman halted in his delivery stride, like he does, as Green opted for a wild hoick. The Australian did not time it well, given the time delay in the bowler’s wind-up and release, and the ball went straight to Shadab Khan at point.
Captain Salman Agha recorded his highest score in the shortest format as Pakistan’s spinners overwhelmed Australia by 90 runs.
Agha struck a 40-ball 76 and Usman Khan hit a 36-ball 53, leading Pakistan to 198-5, their highest-ever T20I total against Australia.
This formidable total proved sufficient for Pakistan’s spin quintet, who claimed all ten wickets, with Abrar Ahmed achieving the best figures of 3-14 and Shadab Khan finishing with 3-26.
Australia was bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs, giving Pakistan their largest T20I victory over Australia, surpassing the 66-run win in Abu Dhabi in 2018.
The win gives Pakistan an unbeatable 2-0 lead after their 22-run victory in the first match, also in Lahore, on Friday.
This marks Pakistan’s first T20I series win over Australia since 2018. The final match will take place on Sunday, also in Lahore.
Despite skipper Mitchell Marsh returning after resting on Friday, the visiting batters struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack.
Ahmed dismissed Marsh for 18, Josh Inglis for five, and Matthew Short for 27.
Cameroon Green top-scored with a 20-ball 35 before spinner Usman Tariq dismissed him, finishing with figures of 2-16.
