Pakistan is hosting Australia for a three-match T20 series ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Men in Green have already clinched the series by winning the first two games. Chasing a target of 199 runs, Australia fell behind by 91 runs and were all out for 108 runs in the second T20 match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Cameron Green, who was the team’s leading run-scorer in the game with 35 runs, made a controversial gesture after being dismissed on Saturday. He appeared to make a “chucking” gesture after being dismissed by Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, who finished the match with 2-16. The same discussion continued during the match and after the game.
Australia star Xavier Bartlett opens up about Cameron Green’s controversial gesture
The Australian all-rounder became angry as he walked off the pitch, and appeared to make a side-arm chuck as he approached the boundary rope. Muttering to himself and shaking his head, Green made another gesture moments later as he approached the Australian team bench. Green did not say what he was communicating with the gesture.
Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett responded when asked about Green’s reaction during the post-match press conference. He replied, “I have no idea, I went there, and there were tough conditions for all the spinners. I don’t even know who he got out because I was trying to struggle to keep my pads on.”
Also Read: Revealed: Why did Cameron Green list himself as a batsman for IPL auction 2026?
Usman Tariq will be banned?
After this incident, Tariq’s actions have come under question. Tariq’s bowling action remains unconventional. He bowls the ball by pausing at the delivery and almost completely stopping before launching the off-break delivery.
This often makes the batsman feel as if he has twisted his arm. He has been complained twice by umpires in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has also given two biomechanical tests at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. However, on both occasions the officials cleared Tariq’s action and allowed him to continue bowling in the T20 tournament.
Tariq has been a well-known name in the T20 domestic tournament since making his professional debut in 2023. He has taken eight T20I wickets at an average of 7.50 with an economy rate of 5.62. After this incident with Green, Usman Tariq hit back at the Australian all-rounder on Instagram. The Pakistan spinner shared an Instagram story, captioned: “After getting out”, which included a video of a child making fun of Green.
Usman Tariq shares his insights on bowling action
“I have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I’ve had it tested and cleared. Everyone thinks I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue,” Tariq told MYK Sports. This is Pakistan’s first T20I series win over Australia since 2018.
The final match, which is going to be very exciting, will be held in Lahore on Sunday night. In 2022, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain was also accused of illegal bowling action by Australian players.