Cricket Sensation: Spencer Johnson Produces Historic T20I Bowling Figures for Australia
In a thrilling display of fast-bowling prowess, Spencer Johnson has etched his name in the record books by delivering the greatest ever figures by an Australian quick in Twenty20 internationals. His mesmerizing five-wicket haul helped Australia secure a 13-run victory over Pakistan at the iconic SCG on Saturday.
Defending a modest total of 147/9, Johnson put on a masterclass, registering figures of 5-26 to bowl out the visitors for 134 and hand the Aussies an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The left-arm pacer became only the sixth bowler in history to claim five wickets in a T20I match for Australia, surpassing the previous best of 5-27 by James Faulkner in 2016.
“That doesn’t really make any sense to be honest,” an elated Johnson said, reflecting on his historic achievement. “It’s nice to be back at the SCG. My last time here was the Big Bash final, and the conditions were in the bowler’s favor.”
Indeed, Johnson had showcased his prowess on the same ground earlier, taking 4-26 to guide the Brisbane Heat to the title.
Despite a shaky start, conceding 12 runs in his opening over, Johnson bounced back in stunning fashion, removing Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Agha in successive deliveries to leave Pakistan reeling at 4-44. Although Usman Khan and Irfan Khan launched a spirited comeback, the Australian spearhead stepped up again, dismissing Usman for 52 and then snaring Abbas Afridi to complete his five-wicket haul.
“I’ve played enough T20 cricket to know that game to game, you can have good games and bad games,” Johnson explained. “A lot of time, it’s through no fault of your own. You can mis-execute. But I knew tonight I had three overs to bounce back.”
The third and final T20 match of the series will take place in Hobart on 18 November, as Pakistan search for a consolation victory after the visitors’ 2-1 ODI series win.
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