Australia’s all-rounder Cameron Green expressed frustration with Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s unconventional bowling technique during a heavy 90-run loss in a T20 international in Lahore. This pre-World Cup match highlighted Australia’s struggles against the hosts’ dominant spin attack, as Mitch Marsh’s team, missing key players, collapsed while chasing a challenging total.

Australia Crumbles Under Spin Pressure

Just hours after announcing their World Cup squad for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka, Australia fielded nine players from that group but faltered badly. Pakistan posted a formidable 5-198 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Salman Agha led the charge with a brisk 76 off 40 balls, including four sixes, while Usman Khan followed with a 35-ball half-century to build a strong foundation.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Xavier Bartlett conceded 52 runs from his four overs at an economy of 13, and Matt Kuhnemann leaked 40 runs at 10 per over. Adam Zampa proved the standout with economical figures of 1-27, dismissing Pakistan captain Babar Azam lbw for just two and raising fresh concerns about the star batter’s form. Cooper Connolly also impressed, taking 1-30.

In pursuit of 199, Australia were bowled out for a mere 108, with all 10 wickets falling to spinners. The collapse began early when Abrar Ahmed, known for his crafty variations, trapped Marsh lbw in the third over. Saim Ayub struck next, bowling Travis Head with a low delivery. Abrar added to the damage by deceiving Josh Inglis with a wrong’un for five runs.

Green’s Fiery Response to Tariq’s Style

Green offered brief resistance, smashing two sixes and a four off Ayub in the sixth over. However, the momentum shifted as Matt Renshaw fell lbw to Mohammad Nawaz for two, and Cooper Connolly was bowled by Shadab Khan for one. Green himself departed for 35 off 20 balls, caught off Tariq’s slingy, side-arm delivery.

Post-dismissal, Green mimicked Tariq’s unorthodox action, drawing attention to its distinctive nature. This unique bowling method could draw scrutiny from the International Cricket Council ahead of the T20 World Cup, set to begin on February 7.

Tariq finished with impressive figures of 2-16, while Shadab Khan claimed 3-26 and Abrar Ahmed took 3-14. Matt Short provided some fightback with 27 off 23 balls, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the rout.

Captains Reflect on the Defeat

The loss sealed the three-match series for Pakistan after just two games, an unideal preparation for Australia, who face Ireland in Colombo in 11 days. Marsh acknowledged the hosts’ superiority, stating, “Pakistan outplayed us. Hopefully, we can improve and come back tomorrow.” He added, “We have got experienced guys who know that partnerships are really important in run-chases. We were not able to do that today. So some really good lessons.”

Bartlett echoed the sentiment, giving credit to Pakistan’s performance. “You’ve got to give credit where credit’s due. Pakistan played unbelievable, with both bat and ball, but we’re better for the run, and hopefully we can at least make the series 2-1 tomorrow.” With the full squad expected soon, Australia aims to regroup and salvage pride in the final match.