Key points
- Brilliant 5/18 spell against Australia
- Pakistan seal record 111-run victory
LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has matched former fast bowler Umar Gul’s long-standing record for the most five-wicket hauls by a Pakistan bowler in men’s T20 internationals.
Nawaz reached the landmark during the third and final home T20I against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, producing a brilliant spell of 5 for 18 in his four overs.
It was the second five-wicket haul of Nawaz’s T20I career, having achieved his first against Afghanistan in last year’s UAE-hosted tri-series. The performance now places him alongside Gul at the top of the list, with both players recording two five-fors for Pakistan in the shortest format.
Most five-wicket hauls for Pakistan in men’s T20Is
- Umar Gul – two in 60 innings
- Mohammad Nawaz – two in 86 innings
- Sufiyan Muqeem – one in 19 innings
- Hasan Ali – one in 56 innings
- Imad Wasim – one in 74 innings
However, Gul reached the milestone much quicker, achieving his two five-wicket hauls in 60 innings, while Nawaz required 86.
The list also includes Sufiyan Muqeem, Hasan Ali and Imad Wasim, each with one five-wicket haul.
Nawaz’s match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match award as Pakistan sealed a record 111-run victory over Australia. Shaheen Shah Afridi supported him with two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah picked up one each.
Earlier, Pakistan posted their highest-ever T20I total against Australia, scoring 207 for 6 after captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first. Opener Saim Ayub led the charge with 56 off 37 balls, while Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 50 from 36 deliveries. Shadab Khan added late fireworks with a rapid 46 off 19 balls.
