Harare, July 5 (TNS): No.1 team in the T-20 Internationals ranking Pakistan thrashed Australia on Thursday by 45 runs as they avenged the kangaroos for their massive defeat in the first game at the Harare Sports Club.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first, just as they did in the first game in which Pakistan suffered a 9 wicket defeat.
Fakhar Zaman came up with a whirlwind inning as he took the bowlers by storm and struck 73 off 42 including 9 fours and three humungous sixes.
Asif Ali hurt the Australian bowlers in the last 6 overs as he smashed the Australian pace attack all over the park, he scored 37 0ff 18 at a strike rate of more than 200.
Hussain Talat and Shoaib Malik scored 30 and 27 respectively to mount the total to 194-7 at the end of the first innings.
In reply the Aussies lost early wickets in the powerplay as they were reduced to 49-3, Australian wicketkeeper showed some resistance to put up a fight, but apart from him, all the Australian batsman went to the pavilion one after another.
Australia finished with 149-7 in their 20 overs, falling 45 runs short of the target.
Shaheen Afridi destroyed the Australian top order as he got the all-important wickets of Aaron Finch and Glen Maxwell in his three-for.
However, Fakhar Zaman was named Man of the match as he took the game to bed, courtesy his blistering innings in the first innings.
Pakistan will battle Australia for the Tri-Nation Cup again on Sunday.
