Australia have been given the worst possible conclusion to the World Cup warm-up, suffering their heaviest T20 international defeat in a third successive capitulation to Pakistan, which has sapped morale.
Still hurt from a 90-run defeat 24 hours earlier at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore – their worst defeat against Pakistan – things only got worse for Mitch Marsh’s side on Sunday when they were forced to a record 111-run loss at the same ground.
After losing the toss, Australia had to toil again as Pakistan scored 207-6, their highest ever total in a T20 against Australia.
It featured half-centuries from their blistering opener Saim Ayub (56 off 37 balls) and the much-maligned Babar Azam (50 no off 36) before a late 19-ball rampage from Shadab Khan (46).
In reply, Australia folded miserably for just 96 from 16.5 tortuous overs, strangled again by Pakistan’s spinners, led by the crafty left-hander Mohammad Nawaz, who finished with 5-18 from his four overs.
It resulted in the heaviest defeat, in terms of runs, in all their 222 T20 internationals going back 21 years, surpassing their 100-run loss to England at Southampton in the format’s infancy in 2005.
To put a tin hat on their dreadful day, Australian star spinner Adam Zampa, who had earlier bowled two overs for twenty runs, did not bat as he was struggling with a groin problem, but it was later reported that this was just a precautionary measure.
“Pakistan have certainly outmatched us throughout the series,” said Marsh, whose dismissal for one sparked the defeat.
“Hunting is difficult in that area and you need partnerships. We will learn lessons from that. We will certainly discuss this series and look forward to the World Cup.”
But even though his inexperienced side should be strengthened for their first World Cup match in Sri Lanka in ten days’ time with the return of Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Josh Hazlewood, there was no hiding the humiliation of the past four days.
Most alarming, with Sri Lanka’s equally spin-friendly wickets on the horizon, was how their sea batsmen fared against quality tweakers, with only Marcus Stoinis (23), Cameron Green (22) and Josh Philippe (14), who is not in the World Cup squad, reaching double figures.
Even without injured Test captain Pat Cummins, it seemed to show why Australia could have used the experience, batting excellence and leadership of the overlooked Steve Smith in a World Cup where spin could prove key.
Debutant Matt Renshaw had another tough day, bowling as he tried to drive up Shaheen Shah Afridi, who ensured it wasn’t just a spin show as he added that wicket to the scalp of Marsh, which he bowled with a beauty that cut back on just the fourth ball of the innings.
It meant Renshaw started his T20I career with innings of 15, two and one for the World Cup, while Cooper Connolly scored just one run and conceded three dismissals while facing eight balls. This time he was confused by Nawaz and was stunned.
It proved to be a remarkable day for Nawaz, who enjoyed two separate overs in which he took two wickets. The key was the 10th, when he took out the two Australian top scorers Stoinis and Green, the latter being deceived by an excellent gymnast.
The match was also later overshadowed by news that Pakistan plans to boycott their match against India in Sri Lanka in a fortnight.
Before the third match, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq hit back after his bowling action appeared to be mocked by Green in the second T20I.
Green (35 off 20) top-scored in Australia’s failed chase and then appeared to mimic Tariq’s sidearm as he walked into the dugout after falling on the spinner.
Tariq later responded in an Instagram post, sharing a video of a crying child with the caption: “After getting out.”
There is no indication that officials or the Australian team have filed a complaint.
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