Australia capped off a dominant series with a resounding victory over Pakistan in the third T20 International, sealing a 3-0 clean sweep.
Chasing a modest target of 118 runs, the Australian side reached the required total in just 11.2 overs, losing three wickets in the process. The defeat in the final T20I mirrored the struggles of Pakistan throughout the series, as they were bundled out for 117 runs in 18.1 overs.
With seven players failing to reach double figures, the national team’s batting woes continued, leaving them unable to make a significant challenge against the hosts.
Australia, opting to chase, were initially troubled by a shaky start. Openers Jack Fraser-McGurk (2) and Matthew Short (18) were dismissed early, leaving the home side at 30 for 2 within four overs. However, Australian captain Josh Inglis steadied the ship, contributing a crucial 27 off 24 balls, before being dismissed in the 10th over. Inglis and Marcus Stoinis combined for a 55-run partnership for the third wicket, with Stoinis taking charge after Inglis's departure.
The Australian all-rounder unleashed a brutal assault, smashing 61* off just 27 balls, including five sixes and as many fours, leading his side to victory with ease. Stoinis’s commanding performance was the highlight of Australia’s chase, as they sealed the win in just 66 balls.
For Pakistan, it was another dismal batting display. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors lost early wickets, with Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Haseebullah Khan (24) failing to provide any stability at the top. Despite Babar Azam’s valiant 41, the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Usman Khan (3), Salman Ali Agha (1), and Irfan Khan (10) all fell cheaply, and Pakistan found themselves reeling at 92/7 by the 14th over.
Shaheen Afridi’s spirited cameo of 16 runs, which included two fours and a six, briefly raised hopes, but Pakistan’s collapse continued, with the final wicket falling for just 117.
Aaron Hardie was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming three wickets, while Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson picked up two each. Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett also contributed with one wicket apiece.
This defeat marked a series of failures for Pakistan, who have now suffered back-to-back losses in all three T20 matches, the first of which was a rain-affected encounter. Despite a series of changes, including the resting of captain Mohammad Rizwan and the debut of Jehandad Khan, Pakistan could not overcome the Australian challenge.
Pakistan's lack of runs and inability to build partnerships were evident, with their middle and lower-order batting crumbling under the pressure of chasing big totals. Their lack of firepower and inability to counter Australia’s bowling attack left them exposed throughout the series.
Australia’s commanding performance in this series sends a strong message as they prepare for future challenges, while Pakistan will be looking to regroup and address their shortcomings before their next international engagements.
Match summary:
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Pakistan: 117 all out (18.1 overs)
- Top scorer: Babar Azam 41 (28 balls, 4 fours)
- Best bowlers: Shaheen Afridi 16 (7), Abbas Afridi 1 (9), Jehandad Khan 5 (10)
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Australia: 118/3 (11.2 overs)
- Top scorer: Marcus Stoinis 61* (27 balls, 5 sixes, 5 fours)
- Best bowlers: Aaron Hardie 3 wickets, Adam Zampa 2 wickets, Spencer Johnson 2 wickets
