Pakistan Defeats Australia, Secures Series in T20 World Cup Warm-up

Pakistan secured a convincing victory against Australia by 90 runs in Lahore, clinching the T20 series 2-0. The match took place on January 31, 2026, marking a significant achievement for Pakistan in the build-up to the T20 World Cup.

Match Highlights

Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, showcased remarkable performance, scoring 76 runs off 40 balls. Alongside him, Usman Khan contributed significantly with a quick-fire 53 runs from 36 balls. Their efforts propelled Pakistan to a total of 198 runs for 5 wickets, setting a record for their highest T20I score against Australia.

Bowling Excellence

• Abrar Ahmed shone with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs.
• Shadab Khan mirrored this performance, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 26 runs.
• Pakistan’s spin attack dominated, sharing all 10 Australian wickets.

Australia was bowled out for 108 runs in just 15.4 overs. This victory marks Pakistan’s largest margin in T20 matches against Australia, surpassing their previous record of 66 runs achieved in Abu Dhabi in 2018.

Key Player Performances

Both Agha and Usman proved instrumental to the team’s success. Agha formed a solid partnership with Saim Ayub, adding 55 runs for the second wicket. Following the fall of early wickets, they ensured a strong foundation during the power play, scoring 72 runs.

Coach and Captain Reflections

Following the win, Agha commented on the team’s outstanding performance, emphasizing their balance in batting and bowling. He noted, “It has to be a perfect game.” He highlighted their momentum as they approach the World Cup scheduled to start on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, acknowledged Pakistan’s superiority in the match. Despite his return to the team, the Australian batting lineup struggled against the Pakistani spin attack, with Marsh stating, “Pakistan outplayed us.”

Upcoming Matches

The final match of the T20 series will be played in Lahore on February 1, 2026. With the current momentum, Pakistan aims to complete a clean sweep over Australia prior to the World Cup.