Australia v Pakistan T20: Spencer Johnson stars with five wickets as hosts take unassailable lead in series – Eurosport

Australia defeated Pakistan in Sydney on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

The victory means that the home side are assured of winning the series, with the remaining tie now a dead rubber.

Australia were helped by Spencer Johnson’s first-ever five-wicket haul in international cricket, which helped earn his team victory by a 13-run margin.

The 28-year-old left-arm fast bowler finished with figures of 5-26 as Pakistan were bowled out for 134, short of the 148 target they were set to win.

Johnson struck regularly and early to hamper the visitors’ efforts, leaving them at 44-4 and struggling.

Usman Khan then scored a half-century to help steady the ship, but Johnson struck again to take his wicket for 52, and claimed Abbas Afridi as his fifth victim of the day.

Irfan Khan finished on 37 not out, but Haris Rauf’s run-out brought their attempt to chase down the total to an end.

Johnson said he hoped that his performance would keep him in contention for more appearances with the national team.

“It’s an opportunity I don’t take lightly – I’m privileged to be wearing the green and gold,” he explained.

“You never know when your last game is going to be for Australia, so every game is a bonus. Hopefully I can play a couple more.”

The third T20 match will be held in Hobart on Monday, November 18.
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