Pakistan delivered a commanding statement ahead of the T20 World Cup, crushing Australia by 111 runs in the third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on 1 February.
The emphatic victory sealed a historic 3–0 whitewash for the Green Shirts, marking their first-ever clean sweep over Australia in a home T20I series and underlining their growing dominance in the shortest format.
Batting first, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 207 for six, built on a solid top-order foundation and a brutal finish in the death overs.
The innings began on a shaky note as Fakhar Zaman departed early for 10, followed soon after by captain Salman Ali Agha, leaving Pakistan at 34 for two.
However, opener Saim Ayub and Babar Azam steadied the innings with maturity and composure.
Ayub was the aggressor in the partnership, playing fluently through the offside and using the pace of the ball effectively.
He brought up a well-earned half-century, scoring 56 off 37 deliveries, which included crisp boundaries and calculated risks.
At the other end, Babar Azam played the anchor’s role to perfection. His unbeaten 50 not only guided Pakistan through the middle overs but also saw him surpass Virat Kohli’s record for the most half-centuries in T20 internationals.
The late surge came courtesy of Shadab Khan, who completely changed the momentum with a blistering 46 off just 19 balls. His knock, featuring five towering sixes, dismantled the Australian bowling attack.
Useful cameos from Khawaja Nafay and Faheem Ashraf ensured Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark, putting Australia under immense pressure.
Australia’s chase never recovered from an early collapse. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the new ball, reducing the visitors to 16 for three inside three overs.
The pressure mounted further when left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz took control in the middle overs.
Nawaz produced the best spell of his T20I career, claiming five wickets for just 18 runs and exposing Australia’s struggles against quality spin.
Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green offered brief resistance, but Australia were bundled out for 96 in 16.5 overs, marking their heaviest defeat in T20Is by runs.
The comprehensive win served as a perfect dress rehearsal for Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup, while Australia had serious questions to answer as the tournament approached.
