Pak vs Aus 3rd T20I live: Australia lose three key wickets while chasing 208

LAHORE: Australia’s pursuit of a challenging 208-run target suffered an early blow in the third and final T20I against Pakistan as the visitors lost three key wickets inside the first four overs, handing early momentum to the hosts.

The chase began on a shaky note when skipper Mitchell Marsh was dismissed for one, falling to a sharp new-ball spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who struck with pace and accuracy. Australia’s problems compounded soon after as Matt Short departed for two, unable to capitalise on the powerplay.

Shaheen continued his impact with the ball, removing Matt Renshaw for one, reducing Australia to 27 for three and placing immediate pressure on the batting unit in a high-scoring chase.

With the top order back in the pavilion, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis were left to steady the innings. Stoinis showed brief attacking intent, while Green looked to settle and rebuild, as Australia attempted to keep the chase on track despite the rising required run rate.

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained discipline after early breakthroughs, backing up their strong batting effort with controlled lines and aggressive fielding. Although Australia still had batting resources left, the loss of early wickets forced them into a cautious rebuild phase in pursuit of the imposing total.

As the chase progressed, Australia faced the challenge of balancing aggression with stability, knowing that further setbacks could all but seal the contest in Pakistan’s favour.

Earlier, Pakistan put up a commanding batting display in the third and final T20I against Australia, piling on a massive 207 for six after opting to bat first at Lahore on Sunday.

Led by a composed unbeaten half-century from Babar Azam, the Shaheens combined power and stability to set Australia a daunting target. Babar anchored the innings with an assured 50 not out off 36 balls, striking three boundaries to ensure momentum through the latter stages.

The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was Saim Ayub, who played a fluent knock of 56 off 37 deliveries, laced with six fours and two sixes. His aggressive approach at the top laid a strong foundation for Pakistan.

Middle-order firepower came from Shadab Khan, who smashed a quick 46 off 19 balls, including two fours and five towering sixes, pushing the total beyond 200. Khawaja Nafay also chipped in with a brisk 21 off 12 balls, while Faheem Ashraf finished strongly, remaining unbeaten on 10 off four deliveries.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring on a batting-friendly surface, with Cameron Green and Ben Dwarshuis picking up key wickets but conceding runs at a high rate.

Pakistan ended their innings at 207/6 in 20 overs, scoring at an impressive run rate of 10.4. With the hosts already leading the three-match series 2–0, the total put them in a strong position to complete a clean sweep.

Australia were yet to begin their chase at the break, facing a stiff challenge against a confident Pakistan side brimming with momentum.

Babar Azam said "This is not an easy pitch to bat on, this is a tough pitch and you need to assess the conditions to play well here" ❤️ #PAKvAUS #tapmad pic.twitter.com/12ARJiVdOo

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 1, 2026

Middle-order firepower came from Shadab Khan, who smashed a quick 46 off 19 balls, including two fours and five towering sixes, pushing the total beyond 200. Khawaja Nafay also chipped in with a brisk 21 off 12 balls, while Faheem Ashraf finished strongly, remaining unbeaten on 10 off four deliveries.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring on a batting-friendly surface, with Cameron Green and Ben Dwarshuis picking up key wickets but conceding runs at a high rate.

Pakistan ended their innings at 207-6 in 20 overs, scoring at an impressive run rate of 10.4. With the hosts already leading the three-match series 2–0, the total put them in a strong position to complete a clean sweep.