Pakistan crush Australia in record T20 rout
/ Our Today
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Pakistan delivered a stunning statement ahead of the T20 World Cup, thrashing Australia by 111 runs in Lahore to complete a 3-0 series sweep, their biggest victory margin over the tourists in T20 history.
Posting 207-6, the hosts were powered by half centuries from Saim Ayub (56) and Babar Azam (50*), while Shadab Khan exploded for 46 off just 19 balls.
Australia never got going, bowled out for 96 in 16.5 overs as spinner Mohammad Nawaz claimed career-best figures of 5-18. Only three Australians reached double figures, with Marcus Stoinis top-scoring at 23. The defeat surpassed their previous record T20 loss of 100 runs to England in 2005 and marked the third consecutive failed chase for the visitors in the series.
For Babar, the innings was a return to form after criticism over slow scoring during his stint in the Big Bash League. Saim and Babar put on 69 for the third wicket, helping Pakistan set a total that proved far too steep for the Aussies.
Both teams now turn their focus to the T20 World Cup, with Australia opening against Ireland on 11 February and Pakistan facing the Netherlands on Saturday. Pakistan will, however, skip their group stage match against India on 15 February
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