NEW DELHI: Pakistan delivered a stunning performance to hand Australia its biggest-ever defeat in a Twenty20 match, just five days ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. The 111-run win in the third and final game sealed a 3-0 series sweep for the hosts.

The margin surpassed Australia’s previous largest T20 defeat, a 100-run loss to England at Southampton in 2005.

Chasing a massive target of 208, Australia faltered against Pakistan’s spinners and were bowled out for just 96 in 16.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the star, claiming a career-best 5-18, while Shaheen Shah Afridi removed captain Mitchell Marsh (1) and Matt Renshaw (1) early on to put the visitors under pressure.

Dominant Batting Display

Pakistan had earlier posted a formidable 207-6, their highest T20 total against Australia. Opener Saim Ayub scored 56 off 57 balls, while Babar Azam, under scrutiny for his strike rate, contributed an unbeaten 50 off 36. Shadab Khan’s blazing 46 off 19 balls, featuring five sixes, gave Pakistan the finishing edge.

“From the last two days, we have been excellent in all departments, I can't find any mistakes,” said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. “We dominated them. I am in a great frame of mind right now. I know how to handle the captaincy when I go out to bat and I really want to do that in the World Cup as well.”

Ayub’s innings included six fours and two sixes, forming a 69-run partnership with Babar after early dismissals of Salman Ali Agha (5) and Fakhar Zaman (10). Babar anchored the innings from the new No. 4 slot while Shadab unleashed big hitting in the final overs, helping Pakistan cross the 200-run mark for the first time in T20s against Australia.

Bowling Masterclass

Nawaz’s spinners proved unplayable as he cleaned up the Australian middle order, sending Marcus Stoinis (23) and Cameron Green (22) back to the pavilion, both bowled. Nawaz completed his five-wicket haul when Josh Philippe top-edged a slog sweep and Khawaja Nafay had Cooper Connolly stumped.

“Pakistan certainly outplayed us throughout the whole series,” said Mitchell Marsh. “Chasing is hard on that surface… we will take learnings from that. We will certainly address this series and look forward to the World Cup.”

Pakistan’s dominant bowling and clinical batting ensured a commanding series win, leaving the team brimming with confidence heading into the T20 World Cup.

(With PTI Inputs)