LAHORE, Pakistan: Half-centuries from opener Saim Ayub and former captain Babar Azam powered Pakistan to a formidable 207 for six against Australia in the third and final T20 international at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that paid off as the hosts capped a dominant batting display in the dead rubber of the three-match series.
Pakistan lead the series 2-0 and are seeking a clean sweep as they continue preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
Early stutter, solid recovery
Pakistan made a shaky start after losing an early wicket with only 14 runs on the board in the second over.
Captain Agha, promoted to number three, failed to build on his recent form and was dismissed for five, leaving Pakistan struggling at 34 for two in the fourth over.
The innings stabilised when Babar joined Saim at the crease. The pair added a brisk 69 runs for the third wicket, shifting momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
Saim top-scored with 56 off 37 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, before he was dismissed by spinner Matthew Kuhnemann in the 12th over, following a sharp catch in the deep.
Babar anchors, Shadab accelerates
Babar continued to anchor the innings and added 28 runs with Khawaja Nafay, who chipped in with a quick 21 off 12 balls, including two sixes and a four.
With Pakistan at 131 for four after 14 overs, all-rounder Shadab Khan provided late impetus with a powerful cameo.
He smashed 46 off just 19 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries, including five sixes.
Shadab shared a decisive 57-run partnership with Babar, who remained unbeaten on 50 from 36 balls, striking three fours and a six to guide Pakistan past the 200 mark.
Pakistan finished on 207 for six in their allotted 20 overs.
Australia’s bowlers under pressure
Ben Dwarshuis was Australia’s most effective bowler, returning figures of two for 39 from four overs.
Matthew Kuhnemann, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Matthew Short picked up one wicket each.
Australia now face a challenging chase of 208 to avoid a whitewash in the series.
Pakistan have already secured the series with wins in the first two matches.
Both teams entered the contest level on 14 wins apiece in T20 internationals, with one tie and one no result.
Australia are also coming off consecutive T20I series defeats against India and will be keen to restore confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Pakistan Playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi.
Australia Playing XI
Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Philippe (wk), Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Kuhnemann and Adam Zampa.
