Pakistan sweep T20 series against Australia to get World Cup boost

Pakistan steamrollered Australia by 111 runs in the final Twenty20 International to complete a 3-0 series sweep on Sunday, ‍signalling their ‌preparedness for the upcoming Twenty20 ⁠World Cup.

Pakistan's commanding 111-run win in the third and final game eclipsed Australia's previous biggest defeat when England registered a 100-run win at Southampton in 2005.

Australia, one of the title-contenders at the T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, continued to struggle against spinners as left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz grabbed a career-best 5-18 and the visitors were bowled out for 96 in 16.5 overs.

Australia's Ben Dwarshuis (C) and Matthew Kuhnemann shake hand with Pakistani players on the end of the third T20 match. AP

Pakistan, which won its third successive toss in the series, had earlier posted a daunting 207-6 - its highest-ever total in a T20 against Australia.

"From the last two days, we have been excellent in all departments, I can't find any mistakes," said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.

"We dominated them. I am in a great frame of mind right now. I know how to handle the captaincy when I go out to bat and I really want to do that in the World Cup as well."

Opener Saim ‍Ayub smashed 56 off 37 balls while Babar Azam chipped in with an unbeaten 50 ‍to power Pakistan to a strong 207-6 ‍at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Salman Agha (L) receives the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi (R) after his team's win against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. AFP

Shadab Khan, who hit five sixes, provided the late flourish with 46 off 19 balls.

Australia, who rested several members of their World Cup squad from the tour, ‌folded for 96 in 16.5 overs to ‍succumb to their biggest defeat in T20 Internationals.

Australia spinner Adam Zampa, who sustained a ​groin injury, did not bat.

Faced with a steep chase, Australia wobbled early in their pursuit.

Pakistan speedster Shaheen ​Afridi ‍bowled rival captain Mitchell Marsh in the ‌first over and dismissed Matt Renshaw in the third to leave Australia reeling at 16-3 inside ​three overs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (2R) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's captain Mitchell Marsh. AFP

Marcus ‌Stoinis (23) and Cameron Green (22) tried to put Australia's chase back on track before left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (5-18) intervened.

Nawaz removed both the set ‌batters and ran through Australia's middle and lower order to set up Pakistan's massive victory.

Agencies