Pakistan Crush Australia by 111 Runs in Series-Clinching T20I Whitewash

Pakistan completed a stunning 3-0 clean sweep of Australia in the T20I series with a commanding 111-run victory in the 3rd T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, handing the visitors their heaviest T20I defeat ever and boosting confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup. Saim Ayub’s explosive 56 off 37, Babar Azam’s composed 50* off 36, and Shadab Khan’s late blitz 46 off 19 propelled Pakistan to 207/6, before Mohammad Nawaz’s career-best 5/18 and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 2/16 demolished Australia for 96 in 16.5 overs. This historic whitewash marked Australia’s biggest loss in T20Is (surpassing a 100-run defeat to England in 2005) and highlighted Pakistan’s spin dominance on turning pitches. A raucous capacity crowd of over 25,000 created an electric atmosphere under floodlights, with fireworks and chants celebrating the series triumph in subcontinental conditions.

The Gaddafi Stadium, under clear February night skies with moderate dew aiding the second innings slightly, produced a high-scorer turned one-sided rout with over 300 runs dominated by Pakistan’s all-round brilliance. The pitch — offering grip and turn for spinners from the start, with some variable bounce — favored bowling variations, making defense tough and chases risky. Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was vindicated spectacularly, exploiting the surface before it deteriorated. For Australia captain Mitchell Marsh (standing in), the defeat was humiliating, a complete collapse against spin; for Agha, it was euphoric, a perfect team effort to whitewash a top side. As Nawaz claimed his fifth wicket amid deafening cheers, the series narrative concluded with Pakistan’s emphatic dominance.

Pakistan XI Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf

Australia XI Travis Head, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Short, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott

Australia – 96 (16.5 overs) Australia’s chase imploded spectacularly against Pakistan’s spin assault. Head (quick 18) and Philippe fell early to Shaheen (2/16), who swung the new ball effectively. Marsh (12) and Green (22) resisted briefly, but Nawaz (5/18) ripped through with sharp turn and flight, claiming five in a devastating spell that triggered a collapse from 45/3 to 96 all out. Stoinis top-scored with 23 off 22, but extras 8 couldn’t mask poor shot selection against spin. No partnership survived beyond 30; momentum shifted decisively in the middle overs as Pakistan’s variations—googlies, sliders, and pace—kept the required rate soaring, sealing the whitewash in style.

Pakistan – 207/6 (20 overs) Pakistan’s innings exploded after a solid start. Ayub (56 off 37, 7 fours, 2 sixes) dominated the powerplay with aggressive drives, sharing a 78-run stand with Rizwan (quick 28). Babar anchored with 50* off 36 (elegant timing), while Shadab’s late carnage 46 off 19 (4 fours, 3 sixes) added a blistering 65-run stand in the death. Dwarshuis (2/39) and Zampa picked wickets but leaked heavily as dew helped. No major collapse; key partnerships and power-hitting ensured a competitive total, setting up the bowling masterclass.

Key Moments

• Mohammad Nawaz’s career-best 5/18, dismantling Australia’s middle order with spin wizardry to earn Player of the Match.
• Saim Ayub’s explosive 56 off 37, setting a blistering platform in the powerplay.
• Babar Azam’s unbeaten 50 off 36, providing stability and completing a series of half-centuries.
• Shadab Khan’s destructive 46 off 19, powering the late surge to post 207.
• Australia’s record-low chase collapse, marking their heaviest T20I defeat ever.

Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz (5/18) Winning Captain (Salman Ali Agha): “Unbelievable series win—3-0 against Australia feels special. Ayub and Babar set it up, Shadab finished brilliantly, and Nawaz was unplayable. The crowd was electric; this gives us huge belief heading into the World Cup.” Losing Captain (Mitchell Marsh): “Tough to take—Pakistan’s spinners dominated us completely. Credit to them; they outplayed us in every department. We’ve got lessons to learn fast before the big tournament. Disappointing end to the tour.”

Series: Pakistan win 3–0 Next → No further matches in this series; focus shifts to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations starting soon.

Pakistan’s historic whitewash not only boosted morale ahead of the T20 World Cup but also exposed vulnerabilities in Australia’s spin play on turning tracks. With all-round depth shining and spinners leading the charge, the Men in Green enter the global event as serious contenders, while Australia reflect on a sobering tour defeat.