LAHORE: Pakistan produced a dominant all round performance to crush Australia by a massive 111 run margin in the third and final T20I on Sunday, sealing the series on a high and gaining valuable momentum ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Chasing a daunting target of 208, Australia were bowled out for just 96 in 16.5 overs, with Adam Zampa unable to bat due to injury, as Pakistan registered one of their most emphatic T20I victories over the visitors.

Pakistan set the tone early with the ball as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in his opening over, dismissing Australian captain Mitchell Marsh with the fourth delivery. The early breakthrough triggered a collapse, with Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw departing cheaply, leaving Australia reeling at 16 for three in 2.5 overs.

Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis attempted to stabilise the innings with a 44 run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking the score to 60 in 9.1 overs. However, Mohammad Nawaz broke the stand by dismissing Stoinis, who scored 23 off 22 balls, including three fours.

From there, Australia’s resistance crumbled as Nawaz ran through the lower order. The left arm spinner finished with a superb five wicket haul, conceding just 19 runs in his four overs, while Shaheen added two wickets to cap a ruthless bowling display. Australia were eventually bowled out, suffering their third-biggest defeat in T20 internationals.

Earlier, Pakistan’s batters laid the foundation with composed half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, followed by a blistering late assault from Shadab Khan to post a formidable 207 for six.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan endured an early setback when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 10 in the second over with only 14 runs on the board. Captain Salman Ali Agha followed soon after, falling for five to Ben Dwarshuis, leaving the hosts at 34 for two in 3.4 overs.

The innings was rebuilt by Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, who stitched together a fluent 69 run partnership for the third wicket to regain control. Saim led the charge, striking the ball cleanly and finding gaps with ease before being dismissed on the first ball of the 12th over.

Saim top scored with an impressive 56 off 37 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before holing out to a stunning catch by Matthew Renshaw in the deep off Matthew Kuhnemann.

Babar then added 28 runs for the fourth wicket with Khawaja Nafay, who impressed with a quick fire 21 off 12 balls, featuring two sixes and a boundary. With Pakistan well placed at 131 for four after 14 overs, Shadab Khan provided the finishing flourish.

The all-rounder smashed a rapid 46 off just 19 deliveries, peppering the boundary with seven fours and five sixes, and shared a crucial 57-run partnership with Babar. Babar anchored the innings expertly, remaining unbeaten on 50 from 36 balls, which included three fours and a six.

For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis was the most successful bowler with figures of two for 39, while Matthew Kuhnemann, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Matthew Short picked up one wicket each.