Ayub, Shadab and Nawaz Power Pakistan to 3–0 T20I Sweep Over Australia

Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz spearheaded a dominant Pakistan performance as the hosts completed a comprehensive 3–0 sweep of the T20I series against Australia with a crushing 111-run victory in Lahore. The result ensured Pakistan head into the T20 World Cup in formidable form, while Australia arrive at the global tournament under a cloud.

Pakistan’s emphatic win was built on a commanding batting display, highlighted by a return to form for Babar Azam, who struck a confidence-boosting half-century after struggling in the opening two matches. Australia, in contrast, suffered their worst-ever T20I defeat, eclipsing their previous record loss of 100 runs against England in 2005. Their misery was compounded when legspinner Adam Zampa did not bat due to an apparent groin injury.

As in the first two matches of the series, Pakistan made full use of dry, turning conditions to post an imposing total. Openers Saim Ayub and Babar both scored half-centuries, laying a strong platform before Shadab provided the finishing touches with a blistering late assault, smashing five sixes on his way to 46 off just 19 balls. Pakistan’s total of 207 proved far beyond Australia’s reach.

Chasing 208, Australia’s hopes were all but extinguished when they slumped to 16 for 3 inside three overs. While Pakistan’s spinners had tormented Australia earlier in the series, it was the returning Shaheen Shah Afridi who set the tone, striking twice early with the new ball. Mohammad Nawaz then delivered a devastating spell of left-arm spin, claiming 5 for 18 in four overs as Australia were bowled out for 96 in 16.5 overs.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha once again won the toss and opted to bat, sticking to the blueprint that had served his side so well. Fakhar Zaman provided an early burst of intent but fell cheaply yet again, continuing his lean run. Agha himself made a brisk start before being deceived by Ben Dwarshuis, bringing Babar to the crease under pressure.

Babar responded with authority, driving his first ball for four and later launching an errant Zampa for six over midwicket. He found gaps with precision and shared a fluent 69-run partnership with Ayub, who peppered the boundary from the other end. Though Babar slowed late in his innings, Shadab’s explosive cameo ensured Pakistan finished with the biggest total of the series.

Australia’s bowling once again raised major concerns ahead of the World Cup. Four of the six bowlers conceded more than 10 runs per over, struggling to contain Pakistan’s aggressive approach. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann was the most economical, returning 1 for 27, while left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis stood out with 2 for 39, showcasing his variations despite late punishment from Shadab.

Shaheen’s return added further firepower to Pakistan’s attack. He removed Australia captain Mitchell Marsh with a swinging full delivery in the opening over and later dismissed Matt Renshaw. Nawaz then capped a spectacular series for Pakistan’s spinners, weaving through a confused Australian batting line-up that failed to adapt to the slower, lower conditions.

Australia’s batters struggled badly against spin, with shot selection and footwork repeatedly letting them down — an ominous sign ahead of their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. Cameron Green was a rare positive, finishing the series with scores of 36, 35 and 22. The allrounder looked composed and confident despite not converting his starts, suggesting he heads into the World Cup in reasonable touch.

For Pakistan, the series served as a near-perfect dress rehearsal, underlining their depth, balance and adaptability. For Australia, it was a sobering defeat that leaves serious questions unanswered just weeks out from the T20 World Cup.