GEORGETOWN: Pakistan were crowned world champions after defeating Australia by one wicket in a thrilling final to lift the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana, on October 31.
Chasing a target of 281, Pakistan reached 281-9 in 44.5 overs, sealing a dramatic victory with just one wicket remaining. Captain Junaid Nainitalwala scored the winning run off the fifth ball of the 45th over to secure the title.
Batting first, Australia posted 280 runs, powered by a brilliant century from Gregory Ian Hunt, who scored 103. Steven Paulson contributed 70, while Glenn Bettichivoto added 43 to give Australia a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, kept the Australian batting lineup in check. Syed Fareeduddin Agha led the attack with four wickets, while Wasim Ali claimed two.
Adnan Akmal and Javed Mansoor Lead Pakistan’s Fightback
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start as Fahad Jabbar, Imran Khan, Taufiq Umar and the in-form Shehryar Ghani fell early, putting the team under considerable pressure.
Tariq Mahmood attempted to stabilise the innings, but after his dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Adnan Akmal and experienced batter Javed Mansoor took charge.
The pair produced a match-defining partnership of 115 runs off 105 balls for the sixth wicket, bringing Pakistan back into contention and putting the target within reach.
Akmal scored a crucial 83, while Mansoor contributed 62, keeping Pakistan’s hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
However, Australia fought back through timely breakthroughs to make the closing stages tense. Jamie Pannelli was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking four wickets, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from claiming the championship.
Pakistan Seal Dramatic Victory in Final Over
With the match hanging in the balance, Wasim Ali made a valuable contribution of 22 runs, while Syed Fareeduddin Agha remained unbeaten on 23.
The contest became even tighter when Wasim was run out, followed by the dismissal of Mohammad Khalil.
Nevertheless, Pakistan held their nerve in the closing moments, with captain Junaid Nainitalwala completing the winning run off the fifth delivery of the final over to seal a memorable one-wicket triumph.
Fareeduddin Agha Named Player of the Final
Syed Fareeduddin Agha was named Player of the Final for his all-round contribution to Pakistan’s victory.
He claimed four important wickets with the ball before remaining unbeaten on 23, playing a decisive role in guiding Pakistan to the title.
The victory also secured Pakistan a unique distinction in international veterans cricket, making it the first country to win world titles across all three age categories.
Pakistan’s previous triumphs include the Over-60 World Cup in Brisbane, Australia, in 2022 and the Over-50 World Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2025.
The latest success in Guyana adds the Over-40 World Cup title to that record, completing a historic treble across the three veterans’ age categories.
The achievement highlights Pakistan’s sustained success in veterans cricket and its competitive presence on the international stage.
