NEW DELHI: Spinners led Pakistan to a commanding 90-run win over Australia to seal the T20 series with a game to spare on Saturday.

Australia fielded a stronger side after losing the opener by 19 runs but were bowled out for just 108 in 15.4 overs. Leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed (3-14) and Shadab Khan (3-26) shared the bulk of the wickets and kept the visitors on the back foot throughout.

Captain Salman Ali Agha’s 76 off 40 balls and Usman Khan’s 53 off 36 balls had earlier propelled Pakistan to 198-5 after the home team won its second consecutive toss and chose to bat on another slow Gaddafi Stadium wicket.

Agha’s aggressive approach pays off

“I can easily say it was a perfect game for us and we want to replicate it tomorrow,” said Agha after recording Pakistan's biggest T20 win over Australia. “I promoted myself at No. 3 because I know I can play spin well and intend to do the same in Sri Lanka.”

Pakistan is scheduled to play its T20 World Cup games in Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the tournament, which starts on February 7.

On Saturday, Australian batters struggled to read the googlies and leg-breaks of Abrar and Shadab. Travis Head (4) was clean bowled by Saim Ayub’s off-spin for the second straight game on a delivery that kept low.

Captain Mitchell Marsh, who missed the first game, hit two sixes in his knock of 18 before being trapped plumb leg before wicket by Abrar in the third over. Josh Inglis, one of the four changes from the opener, was out for 5, unable to read Abrar’s wrong’un, as Australia lost momentum early and slumped to 29-3 in the power play.

Pakistan dominate with strong partnerships

Matt Renshaw, added to the World Cup squad in place of Matthew Short, holed out to long off to Mohammad Nawaz while Shadab ran through the lower order with three quick wickets. Usman Tariq’s deceptive bowling surprised the Australians as top-scorer Cameron Green (35) sliced a catch to Shadab at point. Agha completed the dismissal of Matthew Kuhnemann at slip to finish the game with 26 balls to spare.

Earlier, Agha stayed aggressive at No. 3, taking Pakistan to 72-2 inside the first six overs. He completed a 25-ball half-century, dominating spin with strong sweeps and lofted shots over extra cover.

Babar Azam struggled at his new No. 4 position, pinned lbw by Adam Zampa for 2 off five balls after Agha and Ayub (23) had given Pakistan a rollicking start. Agha, who hit four sixes and eight boundaries, came close to his maiden T20 century before a faint edge to Sean Abbott ended his innings in the 13th over.

Usman ensured Pakistan posted an above-par total with his brisk half-century before he holed out at deep mid-wicket off a low full toss from Xavier Bartlett in the final over.

“They put us under great pressure in the power play,” Marsh said. “It was probably a 160-170 wicket. 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.”

(With PTI Inputs)