Australian all-rounder Cameron Green found himself at the center of a brewing controversy during the second T20 International between Pakistan and Australia, as he expressed visible frustration over his dismissal by making a chucking gesture towards bowler Usman Tariq. The incident occurred at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan secured a commanding 90-run victory to claim the three-match series with one game remaining.
Green's Controversial Reaction to Dismissal
After being caught at point by Shadab Khan off Usman Tariq's bowling for 35 runs, Cameron Green did not hide his displeasure as he walked off the field. The Australian batter, who was the top scorer for his team in the match, made a clear chucking gesture with his hands, suggesting he believed Tariq's bowling action might be questionable. According to eyewitnesses and video footage, Green repeated the gesture near the Australian dugout, further emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the dismissal.
Pakistan's Dominant Bowling Performance
The match itself saw Pakistan's spinners completely dismantle the Australian batting lineup, bowling them out for just 108 runs in 15.4 overs while defending a formidable total of 198-5. Leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan were particularly devastating, claiming three wickets each and exposing Australia's struggles against quality spin bowling on a slow Lahore pitch.
Australia had entered the match with a strengthened lineup after losing the series opener by 19 runs, but their batting collapse was comprehensive. Captain Mitchell Marsh, returning to the side after missing the first game, managed only 18 runs before falling to Abrar's sharp delivery. The Australian batting order crumbled under pressure, with Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Matt Renshaw all failing to make significant contributions against Pakistan's varied spin attack.
Pakistan's Batting Foundation
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had built their imposing total on the back of captain Salman Ali Agha's explosive 76 runs off just 40 balls, supported by Usman Khan's brisk 53 off 36 deliveries. Agha's aggressive innings featured four sixes and eight boundaries, with the Pakistani captain dominating both pace and spin bowling through powerful sweeps and lofted drives. Despite Babar Azam's continued struggles at the number four position, where he managed only 2 runs, Pakistan maintained momentum throughout their innings.
The Tariq Factor and Australian Struggles
Usman Tariq's deceptive bowling action appeared to trouble multiple Australian batters throughout the match, with Green's reaction being the most visible expression of their difficulties. The Australian batting lineup, which had shown promise in the powerplay, lost momentum quickly as they failed to read the variations of Pakistan's spinners. Matthew Kuhnemann's dismissal to a simple slip catch by Agha in the 14th over effectively sealed Australia's fate, ending their innings with 26 balls remaining.
The match result gives Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the final T20I scheduled as a dead rubber. However, the controversy surrounding Green's reaction to Tariq's bowling action is likely to generate discussion in cricketing circles about bowling actions and player conduct. While no official complaint has been lodged regarding Tariq's action, Green's visible frustration has brought the issue into public discourse.
This incident adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between Pakistan and Australia, two cricketing nations with contrasting styles and approaches to the game. As the teams prepare for the final match of the series, all eyes will be on how both players and officials handle the aftermath of this controversial moment.
