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Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to crush Australia by 111 runs in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep against the visitors.
This emphatic victory not only capped a dominant home series for the hosts but also served as a strong confidence booster ahead of future international commitments, including preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a formidable 207 for 6 in their 20 overs. The innings was built on solid contributions from the top and middle order.
Opener Saim Ayub provided an explosive start with a brisk 56 off 37 balls, featuring six boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Matthew Kuhnemann. Babar Azam anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50 off 36 deliveries, showcasing his trademark composure with three fours and one six.
The middle order added fireworks, with Shadab Khan blasting a quickfire 46 off just 19 balls, including five towering sixes, before being dismissed by Ben Dwarshuis. Khawaja Nafay chipped in with a handy 21 off 12, while Faheem Ashraf finished strongly with 10 not out off four balls. Despite early setbacks—Fakhar Zaman (10) and captain Salman Agha (5) departing cheaply—Pakistan maintained momentum, reaching the 200-run mark thanks to late acceleration and extras (four in total).
Australia’s chase of 208 never gained traction. The visitors crumbled to 96 all out in just 16.5 overs, suffering a complete batting collapse. Early breakthroughs set the tone, and the Australian lineup struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Mohammad Nawaz emerged as the star performer with the ball, claiming five wickets to dismantle the middle and lower order. His economical and wicket-taking spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah provided pace and precision upfront, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan maintained pressure in the middle overs. Australia could muster only sporadic resistance, with no batsman crossing 30, highlighting their inability to counter Pakistan’s varied attack on a pitch that offered grip and bounce.
The series had already been decided after Pakistan’s victories in the first two matches—a narrow 22-run win in the opener followed by a 90-run thrashing in the second. This final game turned into a one-sided affair, underscoring Pakistan’s resurgence in T20 cricket at home. The whitewash marked Australia’s heaviest T20I defeat in recent memory and highlighted vulnerabilities in their lineup against spin and pace in subcontinental conditions.
Pakistan’s all-round display—strong batting depth, aggressive intent, and clinical bowling—delighted the passionate Lahore crowd. As the team celebrates this clean sweep, attention now turns to building on this momentum for upcoming challenges on the global stage.
