Pakistan delivered a clinical performance to crush Australia by 111 runs in the final T20 International, completing a dominant 3-0 series whitewash on Sunday. This massive victory, coming just days before the T20 World Cup, marks Australia’s heaviest-ever defeat in the shortest format of the game, signaling a major shift in momentum for the Men in Green.
The series decider at the spin-friendly venue turned into a record-breaking night for the hosts. Pakistan’s tactical decision to bat first paid dividends as they posted a formidable 207-6, their highest-ever T20 total against the Aussies. The innings was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, blending steady accumulation with explosive finishing.
Opener Saim Ayub set the foundation with a gritty 56 off 57 balls, weathering the initial new-ball burst from the Australian pacers. However, the real tactical surprise came in the middle order. Babar Azam, appearing in a revised No. 4 role, anchored the innings perfectly with an unbeaten 50 off 36 deliveries. His presence allowed the power-hitters to rotate around him, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
Pakistan crush Australia with explosive finish
The final flourish was provided by Shadab Khan, who tore the Australian bowling attack apart. Scoring 46 off just 19 balls, Shadab smashed five towering sixes, propelling Pakistan past the 200-mark. His strike rate of over 240 shifted the psychological advantage entirely toward the hosts before the innings break.
Australia’s response was stuttering from the start. Shaheen Shah Afridi, known for his lethal first-over spells, lived up to his reputation by removing captain Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw within his first twelve deliveries. The Australian top order looked vulnerable against high-quality pace, a concern that will surely weigh on their minds heading into the global tournament.
Spinning a web around the visitors
As the pitch slowed down, Pakistan’s spinners took total control of the narrative. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz produced a career-defining spell, finishing with figures of 5-18. His ability to extract turn and bounce from a sluggish surface left the Australian middle order searching for answers they simply didn’t have.
Nawaz systematically dismantled the remaining resistance, claiming the wickets of Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Josh Philippe, and Cooper Connolly. Australia’s batting lineup, often criticized for their struggles against elite spin on subcontinental-style tracks, collapsed to 96 all out in just 16.5 overs. This 111-run margin surpassed Australia’s previous worst loss—a 100-run defeat to England in 2005.
Leadership and World Cup prospects
Captain Salman Ali Agha expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s collective effort. Speaking at the post-match ceremony, he noted that the team had been “excellent in all departments” over the last few matches. He emphasized that the current frame of mind within the squad is ideal for the upcoming World Cup challenges.
On the other hand, Mitchell Marsh conceded that his side was thoroughly outplayed. While acknowledging that chasing on such surfaces is inherently difficult, he stressed the importance of taking these “learnings” forward. For Australia, the 3-0 loss is a wake-up call, whereas for Pakistan, it is a statement of intent.
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