Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to overwhelm Australia in the third T20I at Lahore, completing a series whitewash with a crushing 111-run victory on Sunday night. It was a statement win that underlined Pakistan’s growing depth in the shortest format, as they outclassed the visitors with both bat and ball.
Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 207 for 6, their highest-ever T20I score against Australia. The innings was built on a strong foundation laid by Saim Ayub and Babar Azam after an early wobble. With two wickets down inside the first four overs, Pakistan steadied themselves through positive intent rather than caution.
Ayub settled quickly and took the attack to Australia’s bowlers, using the powerplay and middle overs effectively. He rotated strike smartly and picked his moments to accelerate, particularly against spin, ensuring the scoring rate never dipped for long. At the other end, Babar played a composed yet assertive innings, striking cleanly whenever the field allowed and anchoring the batting effort.
The partnership pushed Pakistan past the halfway mark with minimal risk. Even after Ayub’s departure soon after the 100 came up, the hosts did not lose momentum. Shadab Khan provided the late surge, clearing the ropes repeatedly to lift the run rate during the final phase. Babar reached his half-century late in the innings, while useful finishing touches ensured Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark.
Australia’s reply never truly got going. The chase unraveled early as Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers applied relentless pressure. Shaheen Afridi struck twice up front, removing key batters and forcing Australia onto the back foot immediately. Mohammad Nawaz then took control through the middle overs, extracting turn and bounce to dismantle the visiting lineup.
Only brief resistance came from Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis, but the pair struggled to lift the tempo against disciplined bowling. Once Nawaz broke their stand, Australia’s innings collapsed rapidly. The left-arm spinner ran through the lower order to finish with a five-wicket haul, while support from the fast bowlers ensured there was no escape.
Australia were dismissed for 96 inside 17 overs, registering their heaviest defeat in T20 internationals by margin. The result sealed a comprehensive series sweep for Pakistan and highlighted their dominance throughout the contest.
Brief Scores
Pakistan 207/6 (20 overs)
Australia 96 all out (16.5 overs)
Pakistan won by 111 runs
