Pakistan vs Australia 3rd T20I 2026: Comprehensive Match Report
On October 22, 2026, Pakistan decisively defeated Australia by 111 runs in the third T20I, concluding the series with a 3-0 victory. The match took place in Lahore, where Pakistan set a formidable total of 207 for 6. In response, Australia crumbled to 96, marking their worst-ever defeat in T20I history.
Key Performers and Statistics
- Pakistan Innings:
- Saim Ayub: 56 runs
- Babar Azam: 50 not out
- Shadab Khan: 46 runs off 19 balls
- Ben Dwarshuis: 2 wickets for 39 runs
- Australia Innings:
- Marcus Stoinis: 23 runs
- Cameron Green: 22 runs
- Mohammad Nawaz: 5 wickets for 18 runs
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 2 wickets for 16 runs
Match Overview
Babar Azam returned to form, providing much-needed stability to the Pakistani batting lineup. He began with a boundary and confidently hit a six off Adam Zampa. Ayub partnered with Babar for a solid 69-run stand, while Shadab accelerated the innings late, punctuating the total with powerful hitting.
Australia’s pursuit faltered early when they lost three wickets, reduced to 16 for 3 in just three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck crucial blows right from the start, dismissing captain Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw. Australia’s innings ended after only 16.5 overs, with Nawaz dismantling their batting order.
Australia’s Struggles and Implications
This defeat highlighted Australia’s struggles ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Four out of six bowlers had an economy rate over 10, a concerning sign in the lead-up to the tournament. Despite a commendable performance from Ben Dwarshuis, the team’s overall performance raised questions about their tactics and preparation.
Australia will aim to regroup quickly. Cameron Green’s consistent runs were a silver lining, but the team’s failure to translate starts into substantial scores will need addressing. As they prepare for the World Cup, the difference in form between them and Pakistan is stark, setting a challenging road ahead.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s triumph not only capped off a successful series but also provided a psychological advantage heading into the T20 World Cup. With their batting and bowling in cohesive form, they will seek to build on this momentum. Conversely, Australia must urgently rectify their issues if they wish to make a significant impact in the tournament.
