The cricket rivalry between Australia and Pakistan spans over seven decades, marked by historic Test clashes, high-stakes World Cup encounters, and recent T20 showdowns. This timeline traces key milestones from their first Test in 1956 to the latest T20 series in early 2026, highlighting pivotal series, iconic performances, and evolving formats.
The rivalry began on October 11, 1956, when Australia toured Pakistan for a single Test in Karachi. Pakistan secured a nine-wicket victory in that inaugural match, setting the tone for a competitive rivalry .
In November–December 1959, Australia played a three-Test series in Pakistan. Australia won the series 2–0, with victories in Karachi and Lahore, while the second Test ended in a draw .
Australia returned in October 1964 for a single Test match in Pakistan, which ended in a draw. Bob Simpson scored centuries in both innings for Australia, while Hanif Mohammad led Pakistan’s batting .
Between 1956 and 2019, the teams played 25 Test series. Australia won 13, Pakistan won 7, and 5 ended in draws. In total, across 66 Test matches, Australia claimed 33 victories, Pakistan 15, and 18 were drawn .
Australia toured Pakistan from October to November 1998, winning both the Test series 1–0 and the ODI series 3–0. Mark Taylor and Ijaz Ahmed were named Men of the Test Series .
Due to security concerns following the 2002 Karachi bus bombing, Australia’s tour was shifted to neutral venues. From October 3 to 22, 2002, Australia swept the three-Test series 3–0, with Shane Warne taking 27 wickets and Ricky Ponting scoring 341 runs .
Australia and Pakistan met only once in the ICC Champions Trophy, during the 2009 edition in Centurion, South Africa. Australia won the match by two wickets .
Australia and Pakistan continued to play Test series in neutral venues, particularly the UAE. Notable series include:
– 2014–15: Two-Test series in UAE .
– 2018: Another two-Test series in UAE .
In late 2019, Pakistan toured Australia for a Test and T20I series. Australia won the Test series 2–0 and the T20I series 2–0 .
Starting in March 2022, bilateral Test series between Australia and Pakistan were contested under the Benaud–Qadir Trophy. Australia won both editions (2021–22 and 2023–24) .
In November 2024, Pakistan achieved their first series win in Australia in any format since 2002, winning an ODI series 2–1. Between 2002 and 2024, Pakistan had won only two of 34 matches across formats in Australia .
By late 2024, Australia and Pakistan had played 27 T20Is against each other, with both teams winning 13 matches and one ending with no result .
Australia toured Pakistan for a three-match T20I series from January 29 to February 1, 2026. Pakistan won all three matches:
– January 29: Pakistan won by 22 runs.
– January 31: Pakistan won by 90 runs.
– February 1: Pakistan won by 111 runs.
Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Series, scoring 120 runs, while Mohammad Nawaz took 7 wickets .
| Year(s) | Format(s) | Venue(s) | Result / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Test | Karachi | Pakistan won inaugural Test by 9 wickets |
| 1959 | Test | Pakistan | Australia won series 2–0 |
| 1964–65 | Test | Pakistan | Draw; Bob Simpson centuries |
| 1998–99 | Test & ODI | Pakistan | Australia won both series |
| 2002–03 | Test | Neutral (SL/UAE) | Australia won 3–0 |
| 2009 | Champions Trophy | South Africa | Australia won by 2 wickets |
| 2014–15, 2018 | Test | UAE | Bilateral series under neutral venue |
| 2019 | Test & T20I | Australia | Australia won both series |
| 2021–22, 2023–24 | Test (Benaud–Qadir Trophy) | Pakistan/Australia | Australia won both editions |
| 2024 | ODI | Australia | Pakistan won series 2–1 (first since 2002) |
| 2024 | T20I | Various | Head-to-head tied at 13–13–1 |
| Jan–Feb 2026 | T20I | Pakistan | Pakistan swept 3–0; Agha and Nawaz starred |
Q: When did Australia and Pakistan first play a Test match?
A: Their first Test match took place on October 11, 1956, in Karachi, where Pakistan won by nine wickets .
Q: What is the Benaud–Qadir Trophy?
A: Introduced in March 2022, the Benaud–Qadir Trophy is awarded for bilateral Test series between Australia and Pakistan. Australia has won both editions held in 2021–22 and 2023–24 .
Q: When did Pakistan last win a series in Australia before 2024?
A: Pakistan’s 2024 ODI series win in Australia was their first series victory on Australian soil in any format since 2002 .
Q: What was the result of the January–February 2026 T20I series?
A: Pakistan swept the three-match T20I series 3–0. Salman Ali Agha scored 120 runs and was named Player of the Series, while Mohammad Nawaz took 7 wickets .
Q: How balanced is the T20I rivalry between the two teams?
A: As of late 2024, Australia and Pakistan had played 27 T20Is against each other, with both teams winning 13 matches and one ending with no result .
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
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