Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif trolled by Aakash Chopra over 'electrifying' Australia T20I win post
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Trolled Over ‘Electrifying’ Post After Australia T20I Win
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s glowing tribute to the cricket team’s 22-run victory over Australia in the first T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium has sparked a social media storm, with former India opener Aakash Chopra delivering a sharp reality check on the win’s context.
Pakistan clinch series opener at Gaddafi Stadium
In their final bilateral tune-up before the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan batted first and posted 168 for 8 in 20 overs, thanks to gritty contributions in the middle order.
Saim Ayub starred with a quickfire 40 off 22 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), earning player of the match for his all-round show including 2 for 29.
Captain Salman Agha smashed 39 off 27 balls, laced with 4 sixes and a four, anchoring a crucial 74-run stand with Ayub.
Abrar Ahmed chipped in with 2 for 10, as Pakistan’s spinners took 6 wickets to bundle Australia out for 146 for 8, with Cameron Green top-scoring on 36.
Adam Zampa (4 for 24) fought back for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough as Pakistan took a 1-0 lead heading into the next two games at the same venue.
Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I Key Stats
Aspect | Pakistan | Australia |
|---|---|---|
Score | 168/8 (20 overs) | 146/8 (20 overs) |
Top Batter | Saim Ayub 40 (22) | Cameron Green 36 |
Best Bowler | Abrar Ahmed 2/10 | Adam Zampa 4/24 |
Result | Won by 22 runs | - |
Sharif’s tweet ignites cross-border banter
Elated by the win – Pakistan’s first T20I victory over Australia in seven years – Sharif took to X to celebrate.
“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.”
The post, tagging PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, quickly drew contrasting reactions – praise from some Pakistani fans, but brutal trolling from others pointing out Australia’s depleted squad.
Aakash Chopra’s savage reality check
Former India batter Aakash Chopra led the charge with a pointed reply that went viral.
“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’ 🫣”
Chopra highlighted Australia’s absentees: T20 World Cup stars Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis sat out, with Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis and pacers Scott Boland and Ben Dwarshuis also missing from the XI. Three debutants featured for the tourists, underscoring the experimental nature of the tour.
Ajay Jadeja joined the fun, adding fuel to the Indo-Pak social media banter that’s heating up ahead of their World Cup clash.
Context amid T20 World Cup uncertainty
Sharif’s enthusiasm comes against a backdrop of drama over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup participation.
He recently met Naqvi to discuss options, including potentially boycotting the India game on February 15 in Colombo to support Bangladesh.
No final call yet, leaving fans and officials in suspense as the tournament nears.
For Pakistan, the Australia series win offers momentum, but Chopra’s reminder serves as a timely check: beating a second-string side by 22 runs in a low-scoring thriller isn’t the stuff of legends – especially with World Cup giants like India, Australia and England looming.