Australia made quick work of Pakistan in the final T20I at Bellerive Oval, completing a dominant clean sweep of the three-match series. The hosts chased down the modest target of 118 in just 11.2 overs, finishing with seven wickets to spare.
The standout performance came from Marcus Stoinis, who walked in at 30/2 with the match still in the balance. The all-rounder unleashed an explosive, unbeaten 61 off just 27 balls, blasting five sixes and as many fours to dismantle Pakistan’s bowlers.
His brutal assault included a pair of 20-plus run thrashings of Pakistan’s premier quicks, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, with Rauf bearing the brunt of a particularly humiliating six that left the crowd and commentators stunned.
Stoinis resumed his attack on Rauf in the ninth over, starting with a cracking boundary, followed by a towering six, and another four to add to his tally. But it was his final blow that truly took the breath away.
Rauf, under pressure, bowled a delivery right in Stoinis’s hitting zone, and the Australian made no mistake. With a clean, almost effortless golf-like swing, he sent the ball soaring over midwicket, all the way onto the roof and beyond the ground.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 18, 2024
Despite the incredible shot, Stoinis showed no visible emotion, maintaining his calm demeanor. But in the commentary box, David Warner, along with others, couldn’t contain their excitement, offering high praise for the veteran’s power and composure. The shot was a fitting exclamation point on Australia’s commanding victory and series sweep.