Lahore, February 1, 2026: A collective bowling effort, led by Mohammad Nawaz’s sensational five-wicket haul, powered Pakistan to a commanding 111-run victory over Australia in the third and final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
The emphatic win sealed a 3–0 whitewash for Pakistan in the home series, which served as the final preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Chasing a daunting target of 208, Australia’s batting line-up crumbled against a disciplined Pakistan attack and was bowled out for just 96 in 16.5 overs. Mohammad Nawaz led the charge with outstanding figures of 5/18 in his four overs. He was well supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who claimed two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah picked up one wicket each.
Marcus Stoinis was the top scorer for Australia with a 22-ball 23, followed by Cameron Green, who scored a cautious 22 off 24 deliveries. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe was the only other Australian to reach double figures with 14. Australia also missed experienced spinner Adam Zampa, who was ruled out due to a groin injury sustained earlier in the series.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bat first paid off as the hosts posted a competitive 207/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan had a shaky start, losing opener Sahibzada Farhan (10) in the second over with just 14 runs on the board.
Agha, who came in at No.3, failed to replicate his earlier form and was dismissed for five off three balls by Ben Dwarshuis, leaving Pakistan at 34/2 in 3.4 overs.
The innings was steadied by an important 69-run partnership for the third wicket between Babar Azam and Saim Ayub. The stand was broken on the first ball of the 12th over when Saim was dismissed by Matthew Kuhnemann, with a brilliant catch by Matthew Renshaw in the deep. Saim top-scored with 56 off 37 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.
Babar then added 28 runs for the fourth wicket with Khawaja Nafay, who impressed with a quick 21 off 12 balls, including two sixes and a four. With the score at 131/4 after 14 overs, Shadab Khan provided late impetus with a blistering 46 off just 19 deliveries, smashing seven boundaries, including five sixes.
Shadab also shared a valuable 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Babar, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls, featuring three fours and a six.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 2/39, while Matthew Kuhnemann, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Matthew Short claimed one wicket each.
