Australia fast bowler Xavier Bartlett didn’t hold back in his assessment after his side were outclassed by Pakistan in the second T20I at Lahore, a defeat that clinched the three-match series for the hosts with a game to spare. This is a wake-up call to the 2021 World Cup champions ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cupstarting on February 7.
The visitors struggled with both bat and ball as Pakistan’s aggressive approach blunted Australia’s plans from the get-go. Bartlett described a performance where the Aussies
were second best throughout, and the hosts never gave them a chance. The fast bowler’s candid remarks summed up what was a tough night for the tourists.
“The aggressive way Pakistan played in the powerplay took the game away from us. They outplayed us in all facets, with both bat and ball. These conditions were new and difficult for us. Pakistan’s spinners, especially Shadab Khan, bowled exceptionally well and used the conditions far better than we did,” he admitted as quoted by The Nation.
Australia’s batting never really got going on a slow, turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch, with the hosts posting a daunting total before their spin attack ran through the lineup, leaving the visitors searching for answers. The Men in Green's thumping win was backed by dominant contributions from their unit across departments, a warning shot to other World Cup contenders about their firepower in familiar conditions.
AUS skipper Mitchell Marsh hopeful for turnaround in series-ender
Australia’s captainMitchell Marsh reflected on his side’s 2-0 loss in a three-match series ahead of the T20 World Cup. Chasing a mammoth target of 199, the tourists fumbled while chasing and could only reply with 108, falling short by 90 runs.
“Pakistan outplayed us in the first two games. So, hopefully we can turn it around tomorrow. This series was still alive before today. As I've said, Pakistan certainly outplayed us. As when you lose, there's always great lessons that you can take out of it. And hopefully we can implement them tomorrow and moving forward,” Marsh expressed.
The third and final T20I of the series will be played on February 1, once again at the Gaddafi Stadium.
