The 20th match of the T10 World Cup 2026 delivered high drama at the Bellerive Oval, where Pakistan held their nerve to defeat Australia by just 2 runs in one of the closest contests of the tournament so far. With both teams struggling for momentum, the match turned into a tense battle of nerves, fielding brilliance, and late twists.
Batting first, Pakistan were bowled out for 99 in 9.4 overs, failing to fully capitalize on the powerplay. Saim Ayub provided early intent with a brisk 29 off 14 balls, while Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman chipped in with quick cameos. However, regular wickets halted Pakistan’s progress. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa (3/17) and backed by Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott, kept the scoring in check and never allowed Pakistan to break free.
Chasing a modest target of 100, Australia found themselves in deep trouble early as wickets fell in clusters. Despite a fighting knock of 24 off 12 balls from Steve Smith and a late push by Sean Abbott (21 off 7 balls), Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding kept the pressure firmly on the Australians. Muhammad Abbas (3 wickets) and Haris Rauf bowled crucial overs, while tight running between the wickets forced mistakes at critical moments.
The final over was filled with tension, but Pakistan’s bowlers held their composure to dismiss Australia for 97 in 9.4 overs, sealing a dramatic 2-run victory. The win gave Pakistan vital points in Group B and showcased their ability to defend low totals under pressure.
This nail-biter not only highlighted the unpredictable nature of T10 cricket but also reinforced Pakistan’s reputation as a team capable of thriving in high-pressure situations, while Australia were left to rue missed opportunities in a match that slipped away by the narrowest of margins.