Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi Shine as Pakistan Restrict Australia to 147 in 2nd T20I

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Pakistan's bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi, delivered an outstanding performance to restrict Australia to a modest total of 147 runs in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday.

The Australian openers, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, made a blistering start, racing to 52 runs in just 3.4 overs. Fraser-McGurk smashed 20 off nine balls before Haris Rauf dismissed him in the fourth over, marking a crucial breakthrough.

The Pakistani speedster struck again in the same over, sending Australian captain Josh Inglis back to the pavilion without scoring. Abbas Afridi soon joined the party, bowling out Matthew Short (32 off 17 balls) to reduce Australia to 56-3 within the powerplay.

Short's explosive innings included four boundaries and two sixes, but his departure marked a turning point in the game. Middle-order batters Glenn Maxwell (21) and Marcus Stoinis (14) attempted to steady the ship with a cautious 30-run partnership.

However, debutant Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed both in quick succession, ensuring that Pakistan maintained control. Haris Rauf, who claimed 4-22 in his spell, further dismantled the Australian batting lineup, taking the crucial wickets of Tim David and Xavier Bartlett in the death overs.

His exceptional performance not only restricted the hosts but also earned him the distinction of becoming Pakistan's joint-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, alongside Shadab Khan, with 125 wickets. Abbas Afridi, showcasing his talent with figures of 3-17, removed Aaron Hardie (28) and Spencer Johnson in consecutive deliveries during the final over.

Despite missing a hat-trick, his efforts ensured Australia failed to capitalize on their strong start. Australia's batting innings lacked momentum after the powerplay, with their second 50 runs taking 61 deliveries compared to just 19 for the first. Only Hardie provided some resistance lower down the order.

The disciplined bowling effort by Pakistan, including two wickets from Muqeem, held Australia to a below-par total of 147. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan's strategic use of his bowlers, particularly Rauf's timely introduction, proved pivotal in turning the match around after a challenging start.