Pakistan could not have asked for a better warm-up to the T20 World Cup as they sealed a historic 3-0 series win over Australia with a crushing 111-run victory in the third T20I in Lahore on Saturday. It was the first time Pakistan had whitewashed Australia in a T20I series on home soil, while Australia slumped to their heaviest defeat in the format, eclipsing their previous 100-run loss to England in 2005.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a commanding 207 for six, displaying both depth and firepower. After an early setback with Fakhar Zaman falling cheaply, Saim Ayub capped the innings with a smooth 56 off 37 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.
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Babar Azam anchored the innings with authority, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 36 deliveries as he expertly spun the strike before accelerating at the death. The late onslaught was led by Shadab Khan who tore through the Australian bowling with a brilliant 46 off just 19 balls and hammered five sixes. Useful cameos from Khawaj Nafay and Faheem Ashraf ensured a strong finish for Pakistan.
AUSTRALIA CRUMBLE
The Australian chase unraveled almost immediately. Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone by removing Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw early and applying relentless pressure with the new ball. Mohammad Nawaz then produced a sensational spell through the middle overs and finished with figures of five wickets for 18 runs to dismantle Australia’s batting order.
Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis offered brief resistance but wickets fell in bunches as Australia collapsed to 96 all out in 16.5 overs. Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah supported Nawaz effectively and highlighted Pakistan’s depth and bowling control.
The emphatic win underlined Pakistan’s readiness for the T20 World Cup, with both the batting and bowling units firing in unison. Their ability to post big totals and defend them ruthlessly will delight the team management. In Australia, the series has raised serious concerns, especially about quality spin and sustained pressure.
As the World Cup approaches, Pakistan will draw immense confidence from this historic clean sheet, having completely outplayed one of the tournament favorites in all three matches.
Pakistan are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands in the opening match of the tournament on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
A brief score
Pakistan: 207/6 in 20 overs. Saim Ayub (56), Babar Azam (50*), Shadab Khan (46); Ben Dwarshuis (2/39), Matthew Kuhnemann (1/27)
Australia: 96 all out in 16.5 overs. Marcus Stoinis (23), Cameron Green (22); Mohammad Nawaz (5/18), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/16)
Result: Pakistan beat Australia by 111 runs
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 1, 2026
