Pakistan crush Australia by 111 runs, seal dominant 3-0 T20 series sweep

Pakistan completed a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep against Australia with a comprehensive 111-run victory in the third match in Lahore.

The crushing loss surpassed Australia’s previous worst 100-run defeat and exposed serious cracks in their preparation ahead of the global tournament, where they enter as one of the favourites.

Batting first after winning the toss for the third straight game, Pakistan piled up a commanding 207 for 6, their highest-ever T20 total against Australia . This innings surpassed their previous best of 202 against Australia in T20s. The total was built on smart anchoring and explosive finishing, giving Pakistan a strong position in the match.

Opener Saim Ayub steadied the start with a composed 56, while Babar Azam, under scrutiny for his strike rate, answered critics with a fluent unbeaten 50 off 36 balls. But it was Shadab Khan’s fiery cameo, 46 off just 19 balls with five towering sixes, that turned a good total into a daunting one. Pakistan smashed 70 runs in the last five overs to completely shift momentum.

Australia’s chase never truly began.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz spun a web around the visitors , claiming a career-best 5 for 18 on a slow surface that offered grip and turn. Earlier, Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in his opening burst to remove Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw cheaply. From there, wickets tumbled in clusters.

Marcus Stoinis (23) and Cameron Green (22) tried to resist briefly, but Nawaz’s variations proved too tricky. Australia were bundled out for just 96 in 16.5 overs , collapsing without a fight.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised his side’s all-round performance, saying the team had “dominated in every department” and carried strong confidence into the World Cup. All‑rounder Mohammad Nawaz , who dismantled Australia with a career‑best five‑wicket haul , was awarded the Player of the Match.

For Australia, the series exposed vulnerabilities, particularly against spin, an area they must urgently address before heading into the tournament.

Having won the first two matches by 19 and 90 runs, Pakistan’s emphatic finale completed a near-perfect campaign, sending a clear warning to the rest of the cricketing world: they are ready for the big stage .