Pakistan have been crowned champions of the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup after defeating Australia by one wicket in a thrilling final at the Guyana National Stadium.
The closely fought encounter on October 31 saw Pakistan complete a challenging run chase with just one ball remaining, securing the international title in dramatic fashion.
Chasing Australia's target of 282, Pakistan finished at 282 for nine in 44.5 overs. The victory came after the team lost several early wickets and faced the possibility of defeat during different stages of the innings.
Pakistan's chase suffered an early setback as Australia's bowling attack reduced them to 36 for four inside the first 10 overs. Tariq Mahmood helped steady the innings with 41 runs before Adnan Akmal and Jawad Mansoor took responsibility for rebuilding the batting effort.
Akmal produced an impressive 83 off 84 deliveries, while Mansoor contributed 62 from 57 balls. Their 115-run partnership brought Pakistan back into contention and provided the foundation for a possible victory after Australia had gained control of the match.
Although both batters were dismissed and Australia continued to take wickets, Waseem Ali added 22 runs to keep the chase alive.
Australia posted 281 for six in their 45 overs after choosing to bat first. Greg Hunt led the innings with an outstanding 103 off 102 deliveries, while captain Steve Paulsen scored 70 and Glen Batticciotto contributed 46 to establish a competitive total.
Pakistan's Syed Fariduddin played an important role with the ball, claiming four wickets for 40 runs. Waseem Ali supported the bowling effort with two wickets, helping restrict Australia's scoring despite the substantial contributions from their top-order batters.
Pakistan have been crowned champions of the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup after defeating Australia by one wicket in a thrilling final at the Guyana National Stadium.
Pakistan have been crowned champions of the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup after defeating Australia by one wicket in a thrilling final at the Guyana National Stadium.
The closely fought encounter on October 31 saw Pakistan complete a challenging run chase with just one ball remaining, securing the international title in dramatic fashion.
Chasing Australia's target of 282, Pakistan finished at 282 for nine in 44.5 overs. The victory came after the team lost several early wickets and faced the possibility of defeat during different stages of the innings.
Pakistan's chase suffered an early setback as Australia's bowling attack reduced them to 36 for four inside the first 10 overs. Tariq Mahmood helped steady the innings with 41 runs before Adnan Akmal and Jawad Mansoor took responsibility for rebuilding the batting effort.
Akmal produced an impressive 83 off 84 deliveries, while Mansoor contributed 62 from 57 balls. Their 115-run partnership brought Pakistan back into contention and provided the foundation for a possible victory after Australia had gained control of the match.
Although both batters were dismissed and Australia continued to take wickets, Waseem Ali added 22 runs to keep the chase alive.
Australia posted 281 for six in their 45 overs after choosing to bat first. Greg Hunt led the innings with an outstanding 103 off 102 deliveries, while captain Steve Paulsen scored 70 and Glen Batticciotto contributed 46 to establish a competitive total.
Pakistan's Syed Fariduddin played an important role with the ball, claiming four wickets for 40 runs. Waseem Ali supported the bowling effort with two wickets, helping restrict Australia's scoring despite the substantial contributions from their top-order batters.
