Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline: A Historical Rivalry

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The cricketing rivalry between Australia and Pakistan has been a captivating spectacle since their first encounter in the 1950s. Over the decades, the two teams have played numerous matches in various formats, producing some of cricket’s most thrilling moments.

This blog outlines the comprehensive timeline of all major matches between the Australian men’s cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team, from the early days in the 1950s to recent encounters in the 2020s.

Recent Match Between Australia vs Pakistan – Pakistan Tour of Australia

Australia vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI – Nov 08, 2024

Result: Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 141 balls remaining)
Match Type: 2nd ODI (D/N)
Venue: Adelaide, Pakistan tour of Australia

Australia Innings (50 Overs Maximum)

Batting	R	B	M	4s	6s	SR
Matthew Short	19	15	23	3	0	126.66
Jake Fraser-McGurk	13	10	11	3	0	130.00
Steven Smith	35	48	80	5	1	72.91
Josh Inglis †	18	25	31	2	0	72.00
Marnus Labuschagne	6	11	10	0	0	54.54
Aaron Hardie	14	29	39	0	0	48.27
Glenn Maxwell	16	21	27	0	1	76.19
Pat Cummins (c)	13	17	33	0	1	76.47
Mitchell Starc	1	4	4	0	0	25.00
Adam Zampa	18	21	34	1	1	85.71
Josh Hazlewood	2	9	16	0	0	22.22

Extras: (lb 2, w 6) | 8
Total: 163 all out (35.0 overs)

Fall of Wickets:
1-21 (Jake Fraser-McGurk, 2.2 ov)
2-41 (Matthew Short, 6.1 ov)
3-79 (Josh Inglis, 13.3 ov)
4-87 (Marnus Labuschagne, 15.5 ov)
5-101 (Steven Smith, 20.5 ov)
6-121 (Aaron Hardie, 25.2 ov)
7-129 (Glenn Maxwell, 27.2 ov)
8-130 (Mitchell Starc, 28.2 ov)
9-146 (Pat Cummins, 31.4 ov)
10-163 (Adam Zampa, 34.6 ov)

Pakistan Innings (Target: 164 runs from 50 overs)

Batting	R	B	M	4s	6s	SR
Saim Ayub	82	71	91	5	6	115.49
Abdullah Shafique	64	69	114	4	3	92.75
Babar Azam	15	20	22	0	1	75.00

Extras: (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) | 8
Total: 169/1 (26.3 overs)

Did not bat: Mohammad Rizwan (c)†, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain

Fall of Wickets:
1-137 (Saim Ayub, 20.2 ov)

Australia Bowling

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ECON	0s	4s	6s	WD	NB
Mitchell Starc	4	1	28	0	7.00	17	3	1	2	0
Josh Hazlewood	7	0	37	0	5.28	26	3	1	0	1
Pat Cummins	7	1	35	0	5.00	25	2	1	0	0
Adam Zampa	6.3	1	44	1	6.76	21	0	5	0	0
Aaron Hardie	2	0	24	0	12.00	4	1	2	0	0

Pakistan Bowling

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ECON	0s	4s	6s	WD
Shaheen Shah Afridi	8	1	26	3	3.25	35	3	0	0
Naseem Shah	10	0	65	1	6.50	35	8	2	2
Mohammad Hasnain	6	0	27	1	4.50	21	2	1	0
Haris Rauf	8	0	29	5	3.62	28	1	0	4
Saim Ayub	3	0	14	0	4.66	11	0	1	0

Australia vs Pakistan, 1st ODI – Nov 04, 2024

Result: Australia won by 2 wickets (with 99 balls remaining)
Match Type: 1st ODI (D/N)
Venue: Melbourne, Pakistan tour of Australia

Pakistan Innings (50 Overs Maximum)

Batting	R	B	M	4s	6s	SR
Abdullah Shafique	12	26	30	1	0	46.15
Saim Ayub	1	5	11	0	0	20.00
Babar Azam	37	44	66	4	0	84.09
Mohammad Rizwan (c) †	44	71	103	2	1	61.97
Kamran Ghulam	5	6	5	1	0	83.33
Salman Agha	12	29	31	1	0	41.37
Irfan Khan	22	35	61	2	0	62.85
Shaheen Shah Afridi	24	19	20	3	1	126.31
Naseem Shah	40	39	43	1	4	102.56
Haris Rauf	0	3	5	0	0	0.00
Mohammad Hasnain	2	4	11	0	0	50.00
Extras	4
Total	203

Fall of Wickets:

1-3 (Saim Ayub, 2.4 ov)
2-24 (Abdullah Shafique, 6.4 ov)
3-63 (Babar Azam, 17.4 ov)
4-70 (Kamran Ghulam, 18.6 ov)
5-101 (Salman Agha, 26.6 ov)
6-117 (Mohammad Rizwan, 31.4 ov)
7-148 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 36.4 ov)
8-175 (Irfan Khan, 42.1 ov)
9-183 (Haris Rauf, 43.5 ov)
10-203 (Naseem Shah, 46.4 ov)

Australia Innings (Target: 204 runs from 50 overs)

Batting	R	B	M	4s	6s	SR
Matthew Short	1	4	11	0	0	25.00
Jake Fraser-McGurk	16	14	21	1	0	114.28
Steven Smith	44	46	64	6	0	95.65
Josh Inglis †	49	42	72	4	3	116.66
Marnus Labuschagne	16	13	19	2	0	123.07
Aaron Hardie	10	19	31	1	0	52.63
Glenn Maxwell	0	1	1	0	0	0.00
Sean Abbott	13	19	50	1	0	68.42
Pat Cummins (c)	32	31	45	4	0	103.22
Mitchell Starc	2	12	21	0	0	16.66
Extras	21
Total	204/8					6.08

Fall of Wickets:

1-19 (Matthew Short, 2.2 ov)
2-28 (Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3.6 ov)
3-113 (Steven Smith, 16.3 ov)
4-139 (Josh Inglis, 19.4 ov)
5-139 (Marnus Labuschagne, 20.1 ov)
6-139 (Glenn Maxwell, 20.2 ov)
7-155 (Aaron Hardie, 25.1 ov)
8-185 (Sean Abbott, 29.4 ov)

Bowling Analysis

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ECON	0s	4s	6s	WD	NB
Mitchell Starc	10	3	33	3	3.30	44	2	1	0	0
Pat Cummins	9.4	1	39	2	4.03	34	4	0	0	0
Sean Abbott	8	0	34	1	4.25	27	1	1	3	1
Aaron Hardie	4	0	15	0	3.75	17	2	0	0	0
Adam Zampa	10	0	64	2	6.40	30	5	3	0	0
Matthew Short	1	0	2	0	2.00	4	0	0	0	0
Glenn Maxwell	3	0	11	0	3.66	12	0	1	0	0
Marnus Labuschagne	1	0	5	1	5.00	4	1	0	0	0

Pakistan Bowling

Bowler	O	R	W	ECON	0s	4s	6s	WD
Shaheen Shah Afridi	10	43	2	4.30	35	2	1	0
Naseem Shah	7.2	39	1	5.31	29	3	1	5
Mohammad Hasnain	7.1	51	1	7.11	22	6	1	2
Haris Rauf	9	67	3	7.44	26	8	0	5

Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline (1959 to 2023)

1. 1959 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 2-0

1st Test: Karachi (November 13-17, 1959)

Australia: 225 & 156
Pakistan: 134 & 212
Result: Australia won by 96 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan struggled against the Australian bowling attack in both innings. Despite a brave effort by Pakistan’s batting lineup in the second innings, chasing a target of 248 proved too challenging. Richie Benaud’s effective bowling played a key role in Australia’s victory, as Pakistan was bowled out for 212, falling short by 96 runs.

2nd Test: Lahore (November 27 – December 1, 1959)

Australia: 107 & 225
Pakistan: 200 & 101/2
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Fazal Mahmood, restricted Australia to 107 in their first innings. Pakistan gained a first-innings lead by scoring 200. However, Australia fought back in their second innings with a score of 225. Pakistan ended up with 101/2 in their second innings, and the match concluded as a draw due to the tight schedule and fading light on the final day.

3rd Test: Dacca (December 17-22, 1959)

Australia: 473
Pakistan: 209 & 187
Result: Australia won by an innings and 80 runs
Key Performances: Australia’s batters dominated the game with a total of 473, led by Colin McDonald’s brilliant innings. Pakistan’s batsmen were unable to handle Australia’s bowling and collapsed for 209 in their first innings. Following on, Pakistan managed only 187 in their second innings, giving Australia an innings victory and securing the series 2-0.

2. 1964 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Drawn 0-0

1st Test: Karachi (October 24-29, 1964)

Pakistan: 287 & 207
Australia: 426 & 72/3
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Bobby Simpson led the Australian batting with a double century, allowing Australia to take a commanding lead. Pakistan, however, batted resolutely in both innings, managing to draw the match. The hosts displayed strong resistance through the solid batting of Hanif Mohammad.

2nd Test: Dhaka (November 6-11, 1964)

Pakistan: 324 & 156/7
Australia: 313
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan once again put up a strong batting display in the first innings. Australia’s response was led by their middle order, but the match ended in a draw after Pakistan weathered Australia’s bowling in the second innings.

3rd Test: Lahore (November 27 – December 2, 1964)

Pakistan: 428/8 declared
Australia: 259 & 167/6
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan batted impressively, with Hanif Mohammad contributing significantly. Despite Australia’s efforts, they couldn’t chase down the total, resulting in a drawn series.

3. 1972-73 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 1-0

1st Test: Adelaide (December 22-27, 1972)

Australia: 426 & 285/9 declared
Pakistan: 360 & 273
Result: Australia won by 52 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan put up a strong fight in both innings, with Asif Iqbal playing a key role. However, Australia’s second innings declaration and effective bowling led to a narrow win by 52 runs.

2nd Test: Melbourne (January 5-10, 1973)

Australia: 441 & 297/5 declared
Pakistan: 274 & 198/6
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Majid Khan’s elegant batting kept Pakistan in the game. Australia set a challenging target, but Pakistan batted out time to force a draw, displaying resilience and tactical acumen.

3rd Test: Sydney (January 26-31, 1973)

Australia: 350/5 declared
Pakistan: 106 & 240/5
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan, facing an uphill battle, showed fighting spirit in the second innings. Zaheer Abbas made significant contributions, helping Pakistan avoid defeat and end the series 1-0 in favor of Australia.

4. 1976-77 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 2-0

1st Test: Adelaide (December 24-29, 1976)

Australia: 454/6 declared
Pakistan: 272 & 291
Result: Australia won by an innings and 17 runs
Key Performances: Greg Chappell’s 121 helped Australia post a strong total. Pakistan struggled against Australia’s bowling attack and was forced to follow on, ultimately losing by an innings.

2nd Test: Melbourne (January 1-5, 1977)

Australia: 524/5 declared
Pakistan: 222 & 392
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback in the second innings, with Javed Miandad’s remarkable century helping them recover from a first-innings deficit and securing a draw.

3rd Test: Sydney (January 14-19, 1977)

Australia: 211 & 381
Pakistan: 185 & 236
Result: Australia won by 171 runs
Key Performances: Dennis Lillee’s fierce pace bowling was instrumental in dismissing Pakistan cheaply in both innings, securing Australia’s series win.

5. 1978-79 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

Number of Matches: 2 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 2-0

1st Test: Melbourne (March 10-14, 1979)

Australia: 346 & 168/3
Pakistan: 242 & 271
Result: Australia won by 7 wickets
Key Performances: Allan Border and Kim Hughes led Australia’s chase to secure a comfortable win after Pakistan set a challenging target.

2nd Test: Perth (March 16-21, 1979)

Australia: 391 & 236/3 declared
Pakistan: 333 & 245
Result: Australia won by 49 runs
Key Performances: In a closely contested match, Pakistan showed resilience. However, Australia’s balanced bowling attack managed to hold off Pakistan’s chase, securing a narrow victory.

6. 1981-82 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 2-1

1st Test: Perth (November 13-17, 1981)

Australia: 180 & 382
Pakistan: 62 & 140
Result: Australia won by an innings and 86 runs
Key Performances: Dennis Lillee’s exceptional bowling performance helped Australia secure an easy innings victory.

2nd Test: Melbourne (December 26-30, 1981)

Australia: 198 & 333
Pakistan: 443
Result: Pakistan won by an innings and 82 runs
Key Performances: Imran Khan’s all-round heroics, both with the ball and bat, guided Pakistan to a dominant innings victory, marking a significant win on Australian soil.

3rd Test: Sydney (January 2-6, 1982)

Australia: 469
Pakistan: 106 & 270
Result: Australia won by an innings and 93 runs
Key Performances: Australia’s batting lineup piled on a massive score. Pakistan’s batsmen failed to mount a substantial response, and Australia’s bowlers secured a comprehensive series victory.

7. 1982-83 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Pakistan won 3-0

1st Test: Karachi (September 22-27, 1982)

Australia: 284 & 123
Pakistan: 428
Result: Pakistan won by an innings and 86 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan, under the leadership of Imran Khan, dominated with both bat and ball. Imran Khan’s fast bowling and the batting of Mudassar Nazar and Javed Miandad ensured a comprehensive innings victory.

2nd Test: Faisalabad (October 3-8, 1982)

Australia: 299 & 292
Pakistan: 581/3 declared
Result: Pakistan won by an innings and 29 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan’s batting, led by Mudassar Nazar and Javed Miandad, put up an enormous total, putting Australia under immense pressure. Imran Khan’s leadership and bowling were instrumental in securing another innings victory.

3rd Test: Lahore (October 15-20, 1982)

Australia: 341 & 196
Pakistan: 428/5 declared & 110/3
Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan continued their dominance with a solid batting performance. Imran Khan’s bowling, alongside Mudassar Nazar’s steady contributions, ensured a clean sweep in the series, winning 3-0.

8. 1983-84 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

Number of Matches: 5 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 2-0

1st Test: Perth (November 11-15, 1983)

Australia: 309 & 217
Pakistan: 62 & 214
Result: Australia won by 250 runs
Key Performances: Australia’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup in the first innings, setting up a comfortable win. Pakistan’s second-innings effort wasn’t enough to chase the large target set by Australia.

2nd Test: Melbourne (November 25-30, 1983)

Australia: 291 & 143/2
Pakistan: 341 & 90
Result: Australia won by 8 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan managed a first-innings lead, but Australia’s effective batting in the second innings led them to a comfortable victory, ensuring a 2-0 series lead.

3rd Test: Adelaide (December 16-21, 1983)

Australia: 341 & 151/6
Pakistan: 301 & 268
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan fought back in this Test, with contributions from Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas. However, rain interruptions and resilient Australian batting resulted in a draw.

4th Test: Sydney (January 2-7, 1984)

Australia: 398 & 224/5 declared
Pakistan: 328 & 189/7
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan put up a spirited batting display, managing to draw the match despite Australia’s strong total.

5th Test: Melbourne (January 12-16, 1984)

Australia: 321 & 255
Pakistan: 341 & 114/4
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan’s batting helped them secure another draw. Australia’s inability to dismiss Pakistan’s lower order ensured that the series ended 2-0 in favor of the hosts.

9. 1988-89 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Pakistan won 1-0

1st Test: Karachi (September 15-20, 1988)

Australia: 165 & 341
Pakistan: 469
Result: Pakistan won by an innings and 188 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan’s strong batting lineup, led by Javed Miandad and Imran Khan, posted a formidable total. Abdul Qadir’s exceptional bowling performance dismantled Australia in both innings, securing an innings victory for Pakistan.

2nd Test: Faisalabad (September 30 – October 5, 1988)

Australia: 395 & 349/5 declared
Pakistan: 343 & 61/4
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: The match was dominated by batsmen from both sides, with Australia setting Pakistan a challenging target. However, Pakistan’s batting efforts managed to draw the game.

3rd Test: Lahore (October 15-20, 1988)

Australia: 391
Pakistan: 353 & 166/4
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: The evenly matched contest ended in another draw, securing Pakistan’s series victory with a 1-0 scoreline.

10. 1994-95 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Pakistan won 1-0

1st Test: Karachi (October 5-10, 1994)

Pakistan: 337 & 239
Australia: 337 & 155
Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket
Key Performances: In a thrilling contest, Pakistan chased down 314 in their second innings. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s crucial batting ensured Pakistan scraped through to a narrow one-wicket victory.

2nd Test: Rawalpindi (October 22-26, 1994)

Pakistan: 256 & 194
Australia: 280 & 127/5
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: With rain interruptions, Pakistan managed to survive and draw the match despite being under pressure from the Australian bowling attack.

3rd Test: Lahore (November 1-6, 1994)

Pakistan: 485/9 declared
Australia: 337 & 262
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan’s strong batting display, with contributions from Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq, ensured that Australia could only manage a draw, securing Pakistan’s series victory.

11. 1996 Cricket World Cup

Number of Matches: One-Day International (ODI) – Quarter-Final
Result: Australia won by 4 wickets

Quarter-Final (March 11, 1996)

Pakistan: 249/9
Australia: 259/6
Result: Australia won by 4 wickets
Key Performances: Australia successfully chased down Pakistan’s total, led by Mark Waugh’s steady innings of 57. Despite Pakistan’s best efforts, Australia advanced to the semi-finals, knocking out the defending champions.

12. 1998-99 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 1-0

1st Test: Rawalpindi (October 1-5, 1998)

Australia: 513 & 289/5 declared
Pakistan: 269 & 246
Result: Australia won by an innings and 99 runs
Key Performances: Mark Taylor’s stunning 334* helped Australia post a mammoth total. Pakistan struggled against the Australian bowling attack, giving Australia an innings victory.

2nd Test: Peshawar (October 15-19, 1998)

Australia: 521/9 declared
Pakistan: 580/9 declared & 103/1
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan’s batting, led by Ijaz Ahmed’s double century, ensured a high-scoring draw despite Australia setting a challenging target.

3rd Test: Karachi (October 23-28, 1998)

Australia: 280 & 229/5 declared
Pakistan: 256 & 126/6
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Pakistan’s resolute batting in the second innings ensured a draw, resulting in Australia’s 1-0 series victory.

13. 2002-03 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Sri Lanka and UAE

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 3-0

1st Test: Colombo (October 3-5, 2002)

Australia: 467
Pakistan: 279 & 163
Result: Australia won by an innings and 198 runs
Key Performances: Matthew Hayden’s double century set up a dominant victory for Australia. Shane Warne’s spin made quick work of Pakistan’s batting.

2nd Test: Sharjah (October 11-13, 2002)

Australia: 310
Pakistan: 59 & 53
Result: Australia won by an innings and 198 runs
Key Performances: Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne decimated Pakistan, skittling them for a record-low total.

3rd Test: Sharjah (October 19-22, 2002)

Australia: 521
Pakistan: 224 & 341
Result: Australia won by an innings and 20 runs
Key Performances: Ricky Ponting’s 150 helped Australia post a huge total. Pakistan’s batting collapse sealed the series for Australia.

14. 2004-05 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches
Series Result: Australia won 3-0

1st Test: Perth (December 16-20, 2004)

Australia: 381 & 361
Pakistan: 179 & 72
Result: Australia won by 491 runs
Key Performances: Glenn McGrath’s bowling performance dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, leading to a massive victory for Australia.

2nd Test: Melbourne (December 26-30, 2004)

Australia: 379 & 127/0
Pakistan: 341 & 163
Result: Australia won by 9 wickets
Key Performances: Ricky Ponting’s century in the first innings helped Australia chase down a modest target in the second innings.

3rd Test: Sydney (January 2-5, 2005)

Australia: 568
Pakistan: 304 & 325
Result: Australia won by 9 wickets
Key Performances: Australia posted a huge first-innings score thanks to Adam Gilchrist’s 113. Pakistan showed resilience but fell short, handing Australia a 3-0 series win.

15. 2009 – Australia vs. Pakistan (Neutral Venue – UAE)

Number of Matches: 5 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
Series Result: Australia won 3-2

5th ODI: Abu Dhabi (May 3, 2009)

Australia: 250/4
Pakistan: 224
Result: Australia won by 26 runs
Key Performances: Shane Watson scored a century, setting up a competitive total for Australia. Pakistan fought back, with Umar Akmal scoring 59, but Australia’s bowlers ensured victory.

16. 2010 – Australia vs. Pakistan in England

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Number of Matches: 2 Test Matches
Series Result: Drawn 1-1

1st Test: Lord’s (July 13-16, 2010)

Australia: 253 & 334
Pakistan: 148 & 289
Result: Australia won by 150 runs
Key Performances: Salman Butt’s fighting 92 couldn’t prevent an Australian victory, highlighted by Shane Watson’s all-round contribution.

2nd Test: Headingley (July 21-24, 2010)

Australia: 88 & 349
Pakistan: 258 & 180/3
Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Aamer, helped secure a historic win, breaking a 15-year losing streak against Australia in Test cricket.

17. 2010 – ICC T20 World Cup Semi-Final

Number of Matches: 1 T20 International
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets

Semi-Final (May 14, 2010)

Pakistan: 191/6
Australia: 197/7
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
Key Performances: Michael Hussey’s explosive 60* off 24 balls turned the game on its head. Chasing a challenging total, Hussey’s power-hitting, especially in the final over against Saeed Ajmal, helped Australia secure a dramatic last-ball victory, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.

18. 2012 – Australia vs. Pakistan in the UAE

Number of Matches: 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 3 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Series Result: Pakistan won the T20I series 2-1; Australia won the ODI series 2-1

3rd T20I: Dubai (September 10, 2012)

Pakistan: 151/4
Australia: 151/7 (Pakistan won the Super Over)
Key Performances: Pakistan clinched the T20I series, with Saeed Ajmal’s spin proving crucial in decimating the Australian batting lineup. The 3rd T20I went to a Super Over, where Pakistan edged out Australia to secure the series.

3rd ODI: Sharjah (September 3, 2012)

Australia: 244/7
Pakistan: 233
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
Key Performances: Australia managed to clinch the series 2-1 with the help of Michael Hussey’s steady batting, displaying their adaptability to the UAE’s playing conditions.

19. 2014-15 – Australia vs. Pakistan in the UAE

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Number of Matches: 2 Test Matches, 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
Series Result: Pakistan won the Test series 2-0; Australia won the ODI series 3-0

1st Test: Dubai (October 22-26, 2014)

Pakistan: 454 & 286/2 declared
Australia: 303 & 216
Result: Pakistan won by 221 runs
Key Performances: Younis Khan’s twin centuries and Zulfiqar Babar’s spin ensured a dominant win for Pakistan. Australia’s batsmen struggled against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack.

2nd Test: Abu Dhabi (October 30 – November 3, 2014)

Pakistan: 570/6 declared
Australia: 261 & 246
Result: Pakistan won by 356 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan’s dominance continued, with Misbah-ul-Haq scoring a century in 56 balls, equaling the then-fastest Test century record. Pakistan’s bowlers sealed the 2-0 series win.

20. 2016-17 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

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Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches, 5 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
Series Result: Australia won the Test series 3-0; Australia won the ODI series 4-1

1st Test: Brisbane (December 15-19, 2016)

Australia: 429 & 202/5 declared
Pakistan: 142 & 450
Result: Australia won by 39 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan’s spirited fightback, led by Asad Shafiq’s remarkable 137, nearly pulled off a miraculous chase of 490. However, Australia’s bowlers managed to claim the final wicket to secure a narrow win.

5th ODI: Adelaide (January 26, 2017)

Australia: 369/7
Pakistan: 312
Result: Australia won by 57 runs
Key Performances: David Warner’s blistering 179 off 128 balls helped Australia post a massive total, securing a series victory despite Pakistan’s best efforts.

21. 2018 – Australia vs. Pakistan in the UAE

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Number of Matches: 2 Test Matches, 3 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Series Result: Pakistan won the Test series 1-0; Pakistan won the T20I series 3-0

1st Test: Dubai (October 7-11, 2018)

Pakistan: 482 & 181/6 declared
Australia: 202 & 362/8
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Usman Khawaja’s marathon 141 helped Australia survive the final day against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack, resulting in a hard-fought draw.

2nd Test: Abu Dhabi (October 16-19, 2018)

Pakistan: 282 & 400
Australia: 145 & 164
Result: Pakistan won by 373 runs
Key Performances: Pakistan’s bowlers dominated, with Mohammad Abbas taking ten wickets in the match.

22. 2019 – Pakistan vs. Australia in Australia

Number of Matches: 2 Test Matches, 3 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Series Result: Australia won the Test series 2-0; Australia won the T20I series 2-0

Test Series (Australia won 2-0)

1st Test: Brisbane (November 21-24, 2019)

Australia: 580/3 declared
Pakistan: 240 & 335
Result: Australia won by an innings and 5 runs
Key Performances: Australia asserted dominance in the first Test with Marnus Labuschagne scoring a brilliant 185 and David Warner adding an unbeaten 154. Pakistan struggled in their first innings, with Mitchell Starc taking 4 wickets to bowl them out for 240. In the second innings, Babar Azam’s impressive 104 and Mohammad Rizwan’s 95 showed resistance, but it wasn’t enough to avoid an innings defeat.

2nd Test: Adelaide (November 29 – December 2, 2019)

Australia: 589/3 declared
Pakistan: 302 & 239
Result: Australia won by an innings and 48 runs
Key Performances: David Warner led Australia’s batting assault, smashing an unbeaten 335*, the second-highest individual score by an Australian in Test cricket. Supported by Marnus Labuschagne’s century, Australia declared at 589. Pakistan’s first innings saw Yasir Shah unexpectedly shine with the bat, scoring his maiden Test century (113). However, Australia’s bowlers, especially Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, ensured Pakistan’s collapse in both innings, completing a 2-0 series sweep.

T20I Series (Australia won 2-0)

1st T20I: Sydney (November 3, 2019)

Pakistan: 107/5 (15 overs)
Australia: 41/0 (3.1 overs)
Result: No result due to rain.
Key Performances: Pakistan’s innings was curtailed by rain, and Australia’s reply was interrupted as well, resulting in no official outcome for the match.

2nd T20I: Canberra (November 5, 2019)

Pakistan: 150/6
Australia: 151/3
Result: Australia won by 7 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan set a modest target with Iftikhar Ahmed’s quick 62*. In reply, Steven Smith anchored the chase with a classy 80*, guiding Australia to a comfortable 7-wicket victory with nine balls to spare, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

3rd T20I: Perth (November 8, 2019)

Pakistan: 106
Australia: 109/0
Result: Australia won by 10 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan’s batting faltered against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, with Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson each taking wickets to restrict Pakistan to a below-par score of 106. In response, Australian openers Aaron Finch (52*) and David Warner (48*) made light work of the chase, securing a 10-wicket win and sealing the T20I series 2-0 in style.

Australia’s clean sweep in both the Test and T20I series showcased their dominant form across formats, with both their batting lineup and bowling attack playing crucial roles in dismantling the Pakistani side.

23. 2019 – ICC Cricket World Cup

Number of Matches: 1 One-Day International (ODI)
Result: Australia won by 41 runs

17th Match (June 12, 2019)

Australia: 307
Pakistan: 266
Key Performances: Australia posted a competitive total thanks to David Warner’s 107. Despite spirited efforts by Pakistan’s batting lineup, Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, held on for a 41-run victory.

24. 2022 – Australia vs. Pakistan in Pakistan

Number of Matches: 3 Test Matches, 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 1 Twenty20 International (T20I)
Series Result: Australia won the Test series 1-0; Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1; Australia won the T20I

Test Series (Australia won 1-0)

1st Test: Rawalpindi (March 4-8, 2022)

Australia: 459
Pakistan: 476/4 declared & 252/0
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: The Rawalpindi pitch was flat, favoring batsmen. Pakistan’s openers Imam-ul-Haq (157) and Abdullah Shafique provided a solid platform, while Australia’s response was steady, with Usman Khawaja scoring 97. Despite the run-fest, neither team could force a result.

2nd Test: Karachi (March 12-16, 2022)

Australia: 556/9 declared & 97/2 declared
Pakistan: 148 & 443/7
Result: Match drawn
Key Performances: Australia dominated with the bat, highlighted by Usman Khawaja’s 160. Pakistan was bowled out cheaply in the first innings but staged an incredible fightback in the second innings, with Babar Azam’s majestic 196 saving the match.

3rd Test: Lahore (March 21-25, 2022)

Australia: 391 & 227/3 declared
Pakistan: 268 & 235
Result: Australia won by 115 runs
Key Performances: Australia’s bowling, led by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, decimated Pakistan in the second innings. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, Australia secured their first Test series win in Pakistan since 1998.

ODI Series (Pakistan won 2-1)

1st ODI: Lahore (March 29, 2022)

Australia: 313/7
Pakistan: 225
Result: Australia won by 88 runs
Key Performances: Travis Head’s explosive century (101 off 72) set up a challenging total for Pakistan. Adam Zampa’s four-wicket haul ensured Australia’s victory despite a late fightback from Pakistan.

2nd ODI: Lahore (March 31, 2022)

Australia: 348/8
Pakistan: 352/4
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Key Performances: Babar Azam (114) and Imam-ul-Haq (106) starred in Pakistan’s record chase of 349, leveling the series 1-1 with a historic batting performance.

3rd ODI: Lahore (April 2, 2022)

Australia: 210
Pakistan: 214/1
Result: Pakistan won by 9 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf, restricted Australia to 210. Imam-ul-Haq (89*) and Fakhar Zaman (67) then ensured a comprehensive victory to seal the ODI series 2-1.

Only T20I

Lahore (April 5, 2022)

Australia: 163/7
Pakistan: 162/8
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
Key Performances: Pakistan set a competitive total, but Australia chased it down in the final over, thanks to the middle-order contributions from Aaron Finch and Travis Head. The T20I ended the tour on a high note for Australia.

25. 2023 – ICC Cricket World Cup

Number of Matches: 1 One-Day International (ODI)
Result: Australia won by 62 runs

18th Match (October 20, 2023)

Australia: 367/9
Pakistan: 305
Key Performances: Australia set a massive total, powered by centuries from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Despite a promising start by Pakistan, they fell short due to Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.

26. 2024 Pakistan Tour of Australia

1st ODI Match Details

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Date: November 4, 2024
Venue: Melbourne
In Match 1 of Pakistan’s Tour of Australia, Australia defeated Pakistan by 2 wickets, with 99 balls remaining, thanks to a strong chase and Mitchell Starc’s stellar bowling performance.

Pakistan Innings:

Total: 203 all out (46.4 Overs)
Top Scorer: Mohammad Rizwan – 44 (71 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
Best Bowling for Australia: Mitchell Starc – 3/33 (10 overs)

Pakistan struggled throughout the innings, with only Rizwan and Babar Azam (37) providing resistance. Starc’s 3-wicket haul, along with disciplined bowling from Zampa and Cummins, restricted Pakistan to a modest total.

Australia Innings:

Total: 204/8 (33.3 Overs)
Top Scorer: Josh Inglis – 49 (42 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes)
Best Bowling for Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi – 2/43 (10 overs)

Australia chased down the target despite early setbacks, with Inglis and Smith (44) playing key roles. Starc’s lower-order resilience also helped them cross the line with ease.

Key Moments:

Mitchell Starc’s Game-Changing Performance: Starc was named Player of the Match for his brilliant 3-wicket haul, which helped restrict Pakistan to 203, and his crucial contribution with the bat in the chase.
Josh Inglis and Steven Smith’s Key Contributions: Inglis (49) and Smith (44) played vital knocks that set up the chase, ensuring Australia’s comfortable win.

Match Summary:

Pakistan: 203 all out (46.4 overs)
Australia: 204/8 (33.3 overs)
Result: Australia won by 2 wickets (with 99 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc for his 3/33 with the ball and his lower-order contribution with the bat.

2nd ODI Match Details

Date: November 8, 2024
Venue: Adelaide
In Match 2 of Pakistan’s Tour of Australia, Pakistan defeated Australia by 9 wickets, with 141 balls remaining. Haris Rauf’s brilliant 5-wicket haul dismantled Australia, while Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique guided Pakistan to a comfortable win with a solid chase.

Pakistan Innings:

Total: 169/1 (26.3 overs)
Top Scorer: Saim Ayub – 82 (71 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes)
Best Bowling for Australia: Mitchell Starc – 0/28 (4 overs)

Pakistan dominated the chase, with Saim Ayub (82) and Abdullah Shafique (64*) putting on a steady partnership to reach the target with ease. The pair shared an unbroken 137-run stand to see Pakistan home, finishing the game in just 26.3 overs. Starc and Hazlewood tried to create pressure, but the target was too small to defend.

Australia Innings:

Total: 163 all out (35.0 overs)
Top Scorer: Steven Smith – 35 (48 balls, 5 fours, 1 six)
Best Bowling for Pakistan: Haris Rauf – 5/29 (8 overs)

Australia were bowled out for just 163, with Haris Rauf leading the charge, picking up 5 wickets. Australia lost regular wickets, with only Steven Smith (35) and Matthew Short (19) making decent starts. Rauf’s spell was crucial in breaking the backbone of Australia’s innings, while Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain also contributed with wickets.

Key Moments:

Haris Rauf’s Outstanding Bowling Performance: Rauf’s 5/29 was the standout performance of the match, as he dismantled Australia’s top and middle order, restricting them to a meager total.
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique’s Match-Winning Partnership: Their unbroken stand of 137 runs sealed the victory for Pakistan with plenty of balls to spare.
Australia’s Struggles Against Pakistan’s Pace Attack: Despite some individual resistance, Australia’s batsmen struggled against the accuracy and pace of Pakistan’s bowlers, failing to put up a competitive total.

Match Summary:

Pakistan: 169/1 (26.3 overs)
Australia: 163 all out (35.0 overs)
Result: Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 141 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Haris Rauf for his exceptional 5/29, which helped Pakistan bowl out Australia cheaply and set up an easy chase.

What Are the Most Memorable Performances in Australia-Pakistan Cricket Encounters?

The cricketing rivalry between Australia and Pakistan has seen numerous iconic individual performances over the years. From thrilling chases to devastating bowling spells, here are some unforgettable moments:

Javed Miandad’s Six (1986 Austral-Asia Cup Final): Miandad’s last-ball six against India in Sharjah is etched in cricket history. His tenacity in the chase exemplified Pakistan’s resilience.
Imran Khan’s Leadership (1982-83 Test Series): Under his captaincy, Pakistan dominated Australia 3-0, with Khan leading both as a bowler and batsman.
Wasim Akram’s Reverse Swing Masterclass: In multiple series, Akram’s reverse swing bowling baffled Australian batsmen, especially in the 1990s.
Ricky Ponting’s Century Barrage: Ponting was a consistent thorn in Pakistan’s side, often scoring heavily in Test and ODI encounters.
David Warner’s Explosive Innings (2019 Adelaide Test): Warner’s 335* showcased his attacking prowess, putting Australia in a commanding position.
Babar Azam’s Fighting Centuries: Azam’s stylish batting and calm under pressure made him a standout performer against Australia in the 2022 series.

These performances, among others, have significantly shaped the rivalry and created lasting memories for cricket fans.

How Has the Australia-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry Evolved Over the Decades?

The rivalry between Australia and Pakistan has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in cricket dynamics, playing styles, and global cricketing conditions:

1950s-70s: Emerging Competition: The rivalry began in the 1950s, with Pakistan showcasing its potential as a competitive team. Early series were marked by Australia’s dominant performances but also Pakistan’s strong resistance at home.
1980s: Imran Khan’s Influence: The 1980s saw Pakistan emerge as a force under Imran Khan’s leadership. Pakistan’s fast-bowling prowess challenged Australia, leading to closely contested matches.
1990s-2000s: Neutral Venues and Global Stars: Security concerns led to several series being held at neutral venues like the UAE. The rise of global stars like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shane Warne, and Ricky Ponting made the encounters more intense.
Modern Era: Balanced Competition: The 2010s and 2020s marked a more balanced competition, with Pakistan achieving significant wins in the UAE, and Australia maintaining dominance at home. The rivalry now extends to T20 formats, with memorable clashes in ICC events.
Impact of Technology and Analysis: Modern technology and data analysis have changed how teams prepare for each other, leading to more strategic and closely fought matches.

The evolution of this rivalry reflects not just changes in the teams but also the shifting nature of international cricket itself.

FAQs

When did the Australia-Pakistan cricket rivalry start?

The rivalry began in 1956 when Pakistan played its first-ever Test series against Australia in Karachi, Pakistan, marking the beginning of a competitive cricket relationship.

How many Test series has Australia won against Pakistan?

As of 2023, Australia has won the majority of the Test series between the two teams, particularly dominating in encounters held in Australia and at neutral venues like the UAE.

Which players have had the most impact in the Australia-Pakistan rivalry?

Players like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, David Warner, and Babar Azam have all made significant contributions in various matches throughout the rivalry.

Why were some of the Australia-Pakistan series played in neutral venues?

Due to security concerns in Pakistan, several series from the early 2000s onwards were moved to neutral venues like the UAE to ensure the safety of players and staff.

What was Pakistan’s most significant victory against Australia?

One of Pakistan’s most significant victories came in the 1982-83 Test series when they defeated Australia 3-0 on home soil under Imran Khan’s leadership.

How has the rivalry changed with the introduction of T20 cricket?

The introduction of T20 cricket has intensified the rivalry, adding a new, fast-paced dimension. Both teams have had memorable T20 clashes, particularly in ICC World T20 tournaments.

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