Pakistan batter Babar Azam was back in form after he struck a 36-ball 50* against Australia in the third and final T20I in Lahore. Batting first, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman and Salman Agha early in the innings but Saim Ayub and Babar Azam joined hands and provided the much-needed resistance.
Ayub and Babar stitched a stand of 69 runs for the third wicket before the opener departed for 56 off 37.
Babar later got Shadab Khan’s support in the middle and his late surge helped the hosts post 207/6 in 20 overs. Shadab struck 46 in 19 deliveries. Babar eventually remained unbeaten at 50 off 36 in this match while only managed 24 and 2 in the previous two outings. Pakistan have already sealed the series after winning the first two matches.
🚨 36 BALLS FIFTY BY BABAR AZAM 🚨
– His 39th fifty in T20Is. Moved to No.4, struggled early, got trolled nonstop, amid the shouts of should be dropped from the WC team, Babar Azam responds with his bat. Good signs for Pakistan ahead of the WC. 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/3psKAZcihO
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) February 1, 2026
Shadab Khan is trying his best to accelerate and Babar Azam is yet to score a boundary since 17 balls, This is embarrassing man.pic.twitter.com/Xa9BI7TMWc
— N (@SaadonaBreak3) February 1, 2026
When he walks in, stadiums come alive. When he drives, the world smiles. Because it is Babar Azam. #PAKVAUS pic.twitter.com/RUPS2dnCEs
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 1, 2026
” The total is more than competitive, especially considering the pitch wasn’t easy to bat on. I thought Saim Ayub played an outstanding innings, showing great intent under challenging conditions. One of the key things we always talk about is reading the conditions early and then shaping the game plan accordingly. Batting at a new position means you have to manage the innings, stay positive and respond to the situation, whether it’s building partnerships or accelerating when required. For me, the batting position doesn’t matter as much as executing the team’s plan. Our preparation for the T20 World Cup is going really well,” Babar said after the innings.
“These three matches were crucial for us and the way the team has performed across all three departments – batting, bowling and especially fielding, it has been very encouraging. Execution of plans is something we’re focusing on every day, and that’s the mindset we’ll carry into the World Cup. A big thank you to the Lahore crowd. You’ve always supported us passionately and playing in front of full stadiums means a lot. Please keep supporting cricket the way you always have,” he added.
Also Read: Why Ishan Kishan Kept Wickets Instead Of Sanju Samson In Fifth T20I | IND vs NZ
