Cricket

Australia and Pakistan will clash in the third and final T20I of their three-match series on Monday, November 18, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The hosts, Australia, have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, but Pakistan will be determined to salvage a consolation victory.In the second T20I on Saturday, Australia's Spencer Johnson starred with a brilliant 5-26, helping his team to a narrow 13-run victory. Pakistan, chasing a modest target of 148, were bowled out for 134 in the final over despite a valiant 52 from Usman Khan.Australia made a strong start to the second T20I, removing Pakistan captain Babar Azam for just 3 runs in the second over. Johnson then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan and Iftikhar Ahmed to leave Pakistan reeling at 15-3.Usman Khan and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild the innings, but Johnson returned to claim the wicket of Rizwan for 23. Khan continued to fight, hitting 52 off 41 balls, but Pakistan's chase was derailed by the loss of wickets at regular intervals.Australia's bowlers maintained their discipline throughout the innings, with Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, and Xavier Bartlett all chipping in with wickets. In the end, Pakistan fell short by 13 runs, handing Australia a comfortable series victory.As the series moves to Hobart for the third and final T20I, Pakistan will be desperate to avoid a whitewash. They will need their top-order batsmen to fire and their bowlers to be more economical. Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their dominance and complete a clean sweep of the series.