Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has taken a sharp dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for celebrating the Men in Green’s T20I win over Australia a little too loudly.
On Thursday, January 29, Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the ongoing three-match T20I series opener in Lahore. The victory was special for Pakistan, as it ended a seven-year wait for a T20I win over Australia and gave them a 1–0 lead in the ongoing home series.
Aakash Chopra questions Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ‘Proud Moment’ post
Many Pakistanis saw it as a confidence-boosting result just before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Following the historic win over Australia in Lahore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the Pakistan national cricket team, calling the result a proud moment for the nation.
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Sharif also hailed the Pakistan team management and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for their efforts behind the door in making the national side strong on the field.
Shehbaz Sharif posted, X: “Well done, Team Pakistan, for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. Proud moment for the nation.”
Well done Team Pakistan for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. Proud moment for the nation.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 30, 2026
Aakash Chopra takes dig at Pakistan PM’s ‘Electrifying’ tag
Pakistani PM’s social media post quickly gained attention, but Aakash Chopra was not impressed. The former Indian batter responded by cooling down the hype around Pakistan’s narrow win over the Kangaroos in Lahore on Thursday.
Chopra pointed out that the Australian side playing the Pakistan series was not a full-strength team, with several senior players missing. He also suggested that a 22-run win in a match where Pakistan scored close to 170 runs should not be described as something extraordinary.
Sharing Pakistan PM’s post, Aakash Chopra posted, X: “With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20I against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170-run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying.’ 🫣”
With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20i against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170 run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying’ 🫣 https://t.co/allr7esAbr
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 30, 2026
Pakistan send clear T20 World Cup 2026 message after beating Australia
Meanwhile, Pakistan clearly showed they are focused on the T20 World Cup 2026 by beating Australia by 22 runs in Lahore, just days after boycott talks made headlines. The Men in Green got off to a good start with Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha adding a crucial 74-run partnership.
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Ayub played a crucial knock of 40 runs, while Agha scored 39 off 27 balls. At halfway, Pakistan was 92 for 3, but after the partnership broke, the middle order collapsed. Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett picked up key wickets, and Pakistan finished on 168/8, scoring only 76 runs in the last ten overs.
Australia started the chase aggressively with Travis Head attacking early. However, Saim Ayub turned the match by dismissing Head and Short cheaply. A brilliant run-out by Salman Agha sent Matt Renshaw back and shifted the momentum fully in Pakistan’s favor.
Abrar Ahmed then removed Cooper Connolly, and another run-out made things worse for Australia. Cameron Green tried to fight alone, but once he was dismissed in the 13th over for 34 runs, the chase fell apart. Pakistan’s spinners held their nerve and sealed a comfortable 22-run win, proving they are fully focused on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
