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Lahore: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam scripted a major T20 International milestone by surpassing Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the most half-centuries in the format, delivering an unbeaten match-winning knock against Australia in the third T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium. The landmark innings comes as Pakistan fine-tune their preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Babar’s composed and fluent fifty powered Pakistan to a commanding total and set up a crushing 111-run victory, sealing a 3–0 series whitewash over Australia. The innings not only marked a personal return to form for the former captain but also rewrote a key record in T20I history.

Record-breaking half-century in Lahore

Babar Azam scored an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls, anchoring Pakistan’s innings with controlled aggression and clean strokeplay. His knock included three boundaries and one six, with most of his scoring coming through placement and strike rotation rather than brute force.

This was Babar’s 39th half-century in T20 Internationals, taking him past India’s Virat Kohli, who previously held the record with 38 T20I fifties. The achievement further strengthens Babar’s standing as one of the most consistent performers in the shortest international format.

Beyond the fifty record, Babar also continues to lead the all-time T20I run charts. He has amassed 4,505 runs from 132 innings at an average of 39.51 and a strike rate of 128.38, underlining both consistency and durability at the top of the order.

Pakistan crush Australia with record margin

Pakistan’s overall performance in the third T20I was dominant across departments. After posting a strong total, their bowlers dismantled the Australian batting line-up to register a 111-run win — reported as Australia’s heaviest defeat by margin of runs in T20 International history.

The victory completed a 3–0 series sweep for the home side and boosted team morale ahead of the global tournament. The margin also reflected Pakistan’s control with both bat and ball throughout the match.

Australia struggled to build partnerships during the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Pakistan’s bowling unit maintained pressure with disciplined lines and variations, preventing any recovery attempt.

Salman Agha shines as series leader

Pakistan captain Salman Agha emerged as a key performer across the three-match series and was named Player of the Series. He finished as the leading run-scorer with 120 runs in three innings at an average of 40 and an impressive strike rate of 171.42.

His leadership and middle-order acceleration played a crucial role in Pakistan’s clean sweep. Team management and analysts noted the balance between aggressive intent and structured batting that Pakistan displayed through the series.

The strong showing from both senior players and emerging contributors is being viewed as a positive sign for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign.

T20 World Cup 2026 group scenario

Pakistan have been placed in Group A of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India, the Netherlands, Namibia and the USA. They are scheduled to open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.

However, uncertainty surrounds the high-voltage India–Pakistan group match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Reports indicate that the Pakistan government has not granted permission for the team to participate in that fixture.

If Pakistan do not take part, tournament regulations would typically award the match points to India via walkover, significantly impacting group standings.

ICC warns of consequences over possible boycott

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that skipping a scheduled fixture — especially a marquee match — could invite sanctions. ICC events operate under participation agreements that require teams to fulfil all scheduled matches barring exceptional circumstances.

The India–Pakistan contest is traditionally the most watched match in global cricket tournaments and generates massive commercial interest. Broadcasters and sponsors heavily depend on the fixture for advertising revenues and global viewership spikes.

Industry estimates suggest that advertisement revenues for such a match can reach Rs 200–250 crore, with a 10-second commercial slot priced as high as Rs 40 lakh. A cancellation or boycott could therefore have major financial implications for stakeholders.

Conclusion

Babar Azam’s record-breaking fifty against Australia has given Pakistan a timely boost ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, reaffirming his status as one of the format’s premier batters. Coupled with a dominant series whitewash and strong captaincy from Salman Agha, Pakistan appear to be building momentum at the right time. Off-field uncertainties around marquee fixtures remain, but on the field, their preparations have gathered serious pace.