GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Pakistan Masters staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Australia by one wicket and lift the 2026 IMC Over-40s World Cup title in a thrilling final at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
Chasing a challenging target of 282, Pakistan recovered from a disastrous start to reach 282-9 in 44.5 overs, sealing the championship with just one delivery remaining in the 45-over contest.
Pakistan clinched the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup, defeating Australia by one wicket in a thrilling final in Guyana. Adnan Akmal led the chase with 83 runs as Pakistan reached the target in 44.5 overs.
#PakistanCricket #Over40WorldCup #Cricket https://t.co/cJasAyOEwp
— Kiran Kamran (@Kirankamran087) November 2, 2026
Australia, who elected to bat first, posted an imposing 281-6, largely through a superb century by Greg Hunt, who scored 103 off 102 balls, including four fours and six sixes.
Captain Steve Paulsen contributed 70 from 76 deliveries, while Glen Batticciotto added an aggressive 46 to give Australia a strong platform.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the scoring, but Syed Fariduddin led the effort with four wickets for 40 runs in nine overs. Waseem Ali picked up two wickets.
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Adnan Akmal and Jawad Mansoor lead Pakistan’s fightback
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously as the team slumped to 36-4 inside the first 10 overs, with Australian pacer Jamie Panelli dismantling the top order.
However, Tariq Mahmood’s 41 and a match-defining 83 off 84 balls from Adnan Akmal revived Pakistan’s hopes.
Jawad Mansoor then produced an attacking 62 from 57 deliveries, keeping the required run rate within reach and building pressure on the Australian bowlers.
Panelli remained Australia’s biggest threat, finishing with four wickets for 48 runs, while Brenton Edwards claimed two wickets as the defending champions fought back.
🏆🇵🇰 *PAKISTAN CROWNED WORLD CHAMPIONS!* 🇵🇰🏆
*PAKISTAN TRIUMPHS OVER AUSTRALIA IN A THRILLING GRAND FINAL TO LIFT THE IMC OVER-40s CRICKET WORLD CUP 2026 IN GUYANA!* https://t.co/sJVemxcEaa
— Pakistan Veterans Cricket (@CricketVeterans) November 1, 2026
With Pakistan still needing two runs and only one wicket remaining, Fariduddin stepped up under pressure to deliver the decisive contribution.
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The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 24 from just 16 balls, striking two crucial sixes to guide Pakistan home with one ball to spare.
The dramatic victory crowned an impressive campaign for Pakistan Masters and brought the 2026 tournament to a memorable conclusion, highlighting the skill, resilience and competitive spirit of veterans’ cricket.
