Australia clinched the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s T20 World Cup 2025 after a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final at the National Bank Stadium Karachi.
Chasing 151 set by Pakistan, Australia reached 152/3 in 19 overs, sealing the win with an over to spare.
Batting first, Pakistan struggled to build big partnerships, finishing at 150/9 in their 20 overs.
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Nadeem Javed and Fawad Alam top-scored with 24 runs each, while Abdul Razzaq contributed 19 before being dismissed by Nasir Jalil.
Humayun Farhat added 19, Tariq Mahmood 18, and Irfan Mushtaq 13, with Sohail Khan making 14 and Sheharyar Ghani 15 not out.
The innings also saw early breakthroughs from Mark Cleary, who produced a spectacular 5-wicket haul, claiming the scalps of Nadeem Javed, Irfan Mushtaq, Sohail Khan, Zulfiqar Babar, and Imran Ali.
Brenton Edwards and Nasir Jalil chipped in with one wicket each.
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In response, Australia’s chase was anchored by Steve Nottle, who scored a well-paced 47 off 40 balls, striking seven fours.
Steven Paulsen complemented him with 42 off 34 deliveries, including six boundaries.
Nasir Jalil provided the finishing touch with a quick 25 not out from just 10 balls, striking two fours and two sixes, while Brenton Edwards remained unbeaten on 18 off 11 deliveries.
Jeff Hemming contributed 14 before being run out, and the team comfortably reached their target in 19 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers tried to halt the chase.
Zulfiqar Babar only conceded 20 runs in four overs, while Sohail Khan gave away 37, Tabish Khan leaked 42.
Imran Ali and Muhammad Suleman were economical, while Fawad Alam managed to take two crucial wickets but could not stop the Australians’ steady progress.
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Australia’s victory was built on disciplined bowling, clinical batting under pressure, and sharp fielding.
Mark Cleary’s 5/22 was the standout performance of the match, while the batting contributions of Nottle, Paulsen, and Jalil ensured Australia became the champions
Pakistan fought valiantly with contributions from Javed, and Fawad Alam, but the composure of Australia proved decisive in the high-stakes final.
