Babar Azam's stunning fielding effort (Source: @BA56_MOB/x.com)
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan delivered a timely statement in their final assignment, defeating Australia in the opening match. Defending a 168-run total, the Pakistani bowlers dominated Australia’s lineup and registered a 22-run victory.
As the bowlers stunned the fans, Babar Azam lit up the field with a sensational fielding effort, pulling off three jaw-dropping catches to push Australia further into trouble. The former skipper’s brilliance didn’t stop there, as he went on to shatter multiple records.
List of records Babar Azam broke during PAK vs AUS 1st T20I
Most catches as a fielder in Lahore for Pakistan in a T20I
The high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 is just a few days away, and the Pakistani side gained a massive boost after registering a thrilling victory against Australia. Thriving on the home soil, the Pakistani bowlers troubled the Aussies, but Babar Azam’s quick reflex on the field grabbed the attention.
With three stunning catches, the veteran Pakistani batter has now entered the record book. He equalled Iftikhar Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman’s record for the most catches by a Pakistan fielder in a T20I at Lahore.
3 - Fakhar Zaman vs New Zealand, 2023
3 - Iftikhar Ahmed vs New Zealand, 2024
3 - Babar Azam vs Australia, 2026
In 2023, Fakhar Zaman took three stunning catches against New Zealand in Lahore. A year later, Iftikhar Ahmed mirrored the feat against the same opponent, joining him in the record books.
Most Catches as a fielder for Pakistan vs Australia in a T20I
This is not the only one, as Babar Azam's quick reflex earned him another historic feat. With those three crucial catches, he became the second player to take the most catches as a fielder for Pakistan vs Australia in a T20I.
3 - Shoaib Malik in Dubai, 2018
3 - Babar Azam in Lahore, 2026
In the prestigious list, former Pakistani star Shoaib Malik is standing ahead of Babar Azam. Back in 2018, Malik took three catches against Australia in Dubai, securing his place in the record book.
Pakistan script a sensational home triumph
Facing mighty Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series, Pakistan flipped the script with a spirited all-round show. After a shaky start, they bounced backas Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha stitched a crucial 74-run partnership. After Ayub walked away on 40 runs, Adam Zampa removed the captain Agha in 39 runs.
With a perfect team effort, the Men in Green put on a total of 168 runs on the board, but the Pakistani bowlers nailed the game in the second innings. Defending the total, Saim Ayub sealed the momentum as he sent back Matthew Short and Travis Head in quick succession.
That added pressure on the Aussie side, and Pakistan seized the momentum. Keeping the pressure alive, Abrar Ahmed's economical bowling turned the tide. Apart from Cameron Green’s 31-ball 36, the Aussie batters had no answers to Pakistan’s lethal bowling attack
Even after Xavier Bartlett’s unbeaten 34, Australia ended their innings in 146 runs, and Pakistan registered a 22-run victory. With that win, the Men in Green surged ahead to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
.jpg?type=mq "Suresh Raina interview")
