Pakistan Thrash Australia by 111 Runs in Lahore, Complete 3–0 T20I Series Sweep

Pakistan Thrash Australia by 111 Runs in Lahore, Complete 3–0 T20I Series Sweep

Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to hammer Australia by 111 runs in the third T20 International at Lahore on Sunday, sealing a clean 3–0 series sweep and handing the visitors their heaviest defeat in T20 international cricket.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan piled up an imposing 207 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Saim Ayub led the charge with a fluent 56 off 37 balls, while former skipper Babar Azam silenced critics with a composed 50 not out from 36 deliveries. The pair added 69 runs for the third wicket, laying a solid platform for a late onslaught. Shadab Khan then provided the finishing touches with a blistering 46 off just 19 balls, propelling Pakistan past the 200-run mark. For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 39.

In reply, Australia’s chase never took off. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz ripped through the batting line-up with career-best figures of 5 for 18 as the tourists were bundled out for a paltry 96 in 16.5 overs. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 23 from 22 balls, but only two other Australian batters managed to reach double figures, underlining the scale of the collapse.

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The 111-run margin surpassed Australia’s previous worst T20I defeat — a 100-run loss to England in 2005 — making it their heaviest loss in the format. The defeat also marked Australia’s third consecutive failed chase in the series, following losses by 90 and 22 runs in the earlier matches.

The innings was particularly significant for Babar Azam, who registered his first major score since returning early from the Big Bash League, where his strike rate had come under scrutiny during his debut season.

With the series concluded, both teams now turn their attention to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Australia begin their campaign against Ireland on Wednesday, February 11, while Pakistan are scheduled to open against the Netherlands on Saturday. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has already announced that the team will not take the field for their group-stage fixture against India on Sunday, February 15.

Meanwhile, in Under-19 World Cup action, England will face defending champions Australia in the semi-finals after India secured top spot in their Super Six group with a 58-run win over Pakistan. India will now meet Afghanistan in the second semi-final, while Pakistan bowed out after being bowled out for 194 while chasing 253, despite a strong start from Usman Khan (66) and Farhan Yousuf (38).