In a historic display of dominance just five days before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan completed a clinical 3-0 whitewash of Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, the “Men in Green” dismantled the visitors in every department, culminating in a record-breaking 111-run victory in the series finale.
This series victory is particularly significant as it marks a total reversal of fortunes from previous years, signaling that Pakistan is a formidable contender for the upcoming global tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Series Summary: The Lahore Lockdown
Pakistan’s strategy throughout the series was built on two pillars: aggressive starts from the openers and a relentless spin attack that the Australians simply couldn’t decipher.
| Match | Result | Margin | Top Performer |
| 1st T20I | Pakistan won | 22 runs | Adam Zampa (Aus) / Salman Agha (Pak) |
| 2nd T20I | Pakistan won | 90 runs | Salman Agha (76 off 40) |
| 3rd T20I | Pakistan won | 111 runs | Mohammad Nawaz (5/18) |
Match 1: Setting the Tone
Score: Pakistan 168/8 | Australia 146/8
Result: Pakistan won by 22 runs
The series opener was a tightly contested affair. Pakistan posted a competitive 168, thanks to useful contributions from the middle order. Australia’s chase started promisingly, but the introduction of spin in the middle overs stalled their momentum. Despite a valiant effort from the Australian tail and disciplined bowling from Adam Zampa earlier in the day, Pakistan’s death bowling secured a 1-0 lead.
Match 2: The Captain’s Masterclass
Score: Pakistan 198/5 | Australia 108
Result: Pakistan won by 90 runs
The second match saw captain Salman Ali Agha take center stage. He played a scintillating knock of 76 runs off just 40 balls, including 8 boundaries and 4 towering sixes.
- The Collapse: Australia’s chase was a disaster as they lost all 10 wickets to spin—a rare feat in T20 international history.
- Abrar Ahmed was the architect of the middle-order collapse, finishing with figures of 3/14. Australia was bundled out for a meager 108, handing Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Match 3: Record-Breaking Finale
Score: Pakistan 207/6 | Australia 96
Result: Pakistan won by 111 runs
The final match was a complete humiliation for the visitors, as Pakistan registered their highest-ever T20 total against Australia and handed them their biggest-ever defeat in the format.
Pakistan’s Batting Fireworks
- Saim Ayub: Set the platform with a blistering 56 off 37 balls.
- Babar Azam: Anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls, silencing critics regarding his strike rate.
- Shadab Khan: Provided the “X-factor” finish, smashing 46 off 19 balls (including five sixes) to propel the score past 200.
The Nawaz Show
Chasing 208, Australia crumbled under the lights. Shaheen Shah Afridi set the stage by clean-bowling Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw in his first two overs. However, the night belonged to Mohammad Nawaz, who claimed career-best figures of 5/18. Australia was bowled out for 96 in just 16.5 overs.
Key Takeaways & Awards
- Player of the Series: Salman Ali Agha (120 total runs and tactical captaincy).
- Spin Dominance: Australian batters struggled immensely against the turning ball, a worrying sign for them ahead of a World Cup in the subcontinent.
- World Cup Readiness: Pakistan enters the World Cup with a settled lineup and immense confidence, having “whitewashed” one of the world’s most dangerous T20 sides.
“From the last two days, we have been excellent in all departments. I can’t find any mistakes. We dominated them.” — Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan Captain
