Pak vs Aus 3rd T20I: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan Fire Pakistan to 207 in Lahore Finale

In a ruthless display of batting supremacy, Pakistan dismantled Australia’s bowling attack to post a monumental 207/6 in the series finale at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Pak vs Aus T20I series, the hosts showed their dominance with their highest-ever T20I total against the visitors. 

The afternoon began with captain Salman Ali Agha winning a toss and electing to bat. While the loss of Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha early, Saim Ayub, the young left-hander, took the game to the Australians from the outset. Ayub’s 56 off 36 balls was a masterclass in modern T20 hitting that left the Australian fielders chasing shadows. 

Often criticized for his strike rate in the shorter format, Babar silenced detractors with surgical precision during the middle overs. His partnership with Ayub laid a solid foundation for Pakistan in the 3rd T20I.

The real carnage, however, was reserved for the death overs. Shadab Khan was promoted up the order and responded with a blistering cameo that essentially took the game away from the visitors. Shadab struck 46 off just 19 deliveries, a "blinder" of an innings that included back-to-back sixes off Cooper Connolly in the 18th over. 

The Australian bowlers, missing several frontline stars, struggled to find their lengths and could not prevent the scoreboard from ticking past the psychological 200-mark. 

Australia’s bowling figures made for grim reading, with Cooper Connolly  conceded 47 runs in his spell. Even the experienced Adam Zampa could only provide temporary respite.

With 207 runs on the board, Pakistan enters the second innings as clear favorites to complete a historic 3-0 whitewash. For an Australian side, the target represents a steep mountain to climb against a strong Pakistani bowling unit.