GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Pakistan have won the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup 2026 after defeating Australia by just one wicket in a dramatic final played in Guyana. Chasing a challenging target of 282 runs, Pakistan reached the winning total of 282 for nine in 44.5 overs, with captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala hitting the decisive shot to secure the championship.
According to a Samaa TV report published on November 4, 2026, Pakistan produced an impressive team performance under the leadership of captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala to claim the international title.
The final remained competitive until the closing moments, with Australia fighting back through important wickets.
Pakistan were nine wickets down at 280 runs and needed just two more runs to win when their captain delivered the match-winning shot.
The victory completed a successful campaign for Pakistan in the Over-40 Cricket World Cup and highlighted the experience and determination of the team’s senior players.
Australia Post 281 Runs in 45 Overs
Australia batted first in the final and scored 281 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 45 overs.
The Australian batting lineup was led by Greg Hunt, who scored an impressive century.
Hunt made 103 runs and played a major role in helping Australia establish a competitive total.
His innings created a difficult challenge for Pakistan’s batting lineup, which needed to maintain a strong scoring rate throughout the chase.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to take important wickets and prevent Australia from building an even bigger total.
Fariduddin was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking four wickets.
Wasim Ali also contributed with the ball and claimed two wickets.
Together, the two bowlers accounted for all six Australian wickets that fell during the innings.
Australia finished on 281 for six, setting Pakistan a target of 282 runs to win the World Cup.
Greg Hunt Scores Century for Australia
Australian batter Greg Hunt was the standout performer for his team.
He scored 103 runs in the final, providing the foundation for Australia’s innings.
A century in a major tournament final is an important achievement, particularly when the opposition is competing for an international title.
Hunt’s contribution helped Australia put pressure on Pakistan before the second innings began.
However, despite his century and the team’s competitive total, Australia were unable to defend the target.
Pakistan’s batting lineup eventually overcame the challenge in the final over.
Fariduddin Takes Four Wickets for Pakistan
Pakistan’s Fariduddin delivered an important bowling performance in the final.
He dismissed four Australian batters and helped limit the opposition to 281 runs.
Taking four wickets in a championship match is a significant contribution, particularly against a batting lineup capable of producing a large total.
His bowling played a key role in preventing Australia from gaining complete control of the match.
Wasim Ali supported him by taking two wickets.
The combined efforts of the two bowlers ensured that Pakistan had a target they could realistically chase.
Pakistan Begin Chase of 282 Runs
Pakistan needed 282 runs from 45 overs to win the final.
The target required a steady batting performance and contributions from several players.
Pakistan’s batters responded by building partnerships and keeping the chase alive.
Adnan Akmal emerged as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan, producing a valuable innings of 83 runs.
Javed Mansoor also played an important role by scoring 62 runs.
Their contributions helped Pakistan move closer to the target despite pressure from the Australian bowling attack.
The chase became increasingly tense as wickets continued to fall.
However, Pakistan maintained their pursuit of the required total and took the match into the final over.
Adnan Akmal Leads Pakistan’s Batting With 83 Runs
Adnan Akmal was Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in the final.
He scored 83 runs and provided a major contribution to the team’s successful chase.
His innings was particularly important because Pakistan were pursuing a target of 282 runs in a limited-overs match.
Akmal’s performance helped keep Pakistan competitive and reduced the pressure on the remaining batters.
His 83 runs proved to be one of the most valuable individual contributions in the championship match.
Javed Mansoor Adds Important 62 Runs
Javed Mansoor also delivered an impressive batting performance.
He scored 62 runs and played a significant role in Pakistan’s pursuit of the target.
His innings provided valuable support as Pakistan attempted to match Australia’s total.
Together, the contributions of Adnan Akmal and Javed Mansoor accounted for 145 runs.
Their performances helped Pakistan remain in contention despite the challenge posed by Australia’s bowlers.
Tariq Mahmood, Wasim Ali and Fariduddin Contribute With the Bat
Several other Pakistani players made important contributions during the chase.
Tariq Mahmood scored 41 runs, adding valuable support to the team’s batting effort.
Wasim Ali contributed 22 runs after previously taking two wickets with the ball.
Fariduddin, who had already claimed four wickets during Australia’s innings, also scored 24 runs.
These performances demonstrated the importance of contributions from different members of the team.
Pakistan’s victory was not dependent on one individual innings.
Instead, several players helped the side move steadily toward the target.
Australian Bowlers Fight Back in the Final
Australia’s bowlers made the chase difficult for Pakistan.
Jamie Panelli was the most successful Australian bowler, taking four wickets.
Britten Edward also claimed two wickets.
Their efforts kept Australia in the contest and prevented Pakistan from securing an easy victory.
As the innings progressed, Pakistan lost wickets at important moments.
Australia continued to apply pressure, and the final eventually reached a stage where one more wicket would have ended Pakistan’s innings.
The Australian bowling performance ensured that the championship remained undecided until the final moments.
Pakistan Lose Nine Wickets With Two Runs Needed
The most dramatic moment of the match came when Pakistan reached 280 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
At that stage, Pakistan needed only two more runs to win.
Australia, meanwhile, required just one wicket to claim the championship.
The situation created a tense finish, with both teams still having a realistic chance of victory.
Pakistan’s last batting pair faced the challenge of scoring the remaining runs without losing another wicket.
Captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala then played the decisive shot that secured the required runs.
His contribution brought the match to an end and confirmed Pakistan as the tournament champions.
Captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala Hits Winning Shot
Pakistan captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala played a crucial role in the closing moments of the final.
With Pakistan nine wickets down and two runs away from victory, he delivered the match-winning shot.
The successful finish allowed Pakistan to reach the target in 44.5 overs.
Pakistan completed the chase at 282 for nine, winning by one wicket.
The captain’s decisive contribution provided a memorable ending to a closely contested championship match.
His leadership and composure in the final moments were central to Pakistan’s success.
Pakistan Complete Target in 44.5 Overs
Pakistan successfully chased the target of 282 runs with just one ball remaining in the 45-over innings.
The team finished at 282 for nine in 44.5 overs.
The narrow margin highlighted how competitive the final had been.
Australia had set a challenging target and then fought back through its bowling attack.
Pakistan, however, managed to keep the chase alive and score the winning runs before the innings ended.
The result confirmed a one-wicket victory for Pakistan.
What Is the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup?
The IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup is an international cricket tournament designed for eligible players aged 40 and above.
The competition provides experienced cricketers with an opportunity to represent their teams at an international level.
Unlike conventional international cricket tournaments involving national senior professional squads, the Over-40 competition focuses on age-group cricket.
Matches bring together experienced players who continue to compete in organised cricket.
The 2026 edition was held in Guyana, where Pakistan and Australia reached the final.
Pakistan’s victory earned the team the tournament title.
Why Pakistan’s Victory Is Significant
Pakistan’s success is notable for several reasons.
The team defeated Australia in an international tournament final, successfully chased a demanding target and secured victory despite losing nine wickets.
The final also featured several strong individual performances.
Adnan Akmal scored 83 runs, Javed Mansoor contributed 62 and Tariq Mahmood added 41.
Fariduddin took four wickets and scored 24 runs, while Wasim Ali claimed two wickets and contributed 22 runs.
Captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala then completed the chase with the decisive shot.
The result highlighted the combined efforts of Pakistan’s experienced players.
Pakistan’s Team Performance Secures World Cup Trophy
Pakistan’s victory was built on contributions from both batters and bowlers.
Fariduddin and Wasim Ali restricted Australia to 281 for six, while the batting lineup responded with a successful run chase.
Adnan Akmal and Javed Mansoor played the two highest-scoring innings for Pakistan.
Other players made valuable contributions to keep the chase moving.
Despite losing nine wickets, Pakistan remained determined to reach the target.
The final shot from captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala completed the victory and secured the trophy.
Pakistan Defeat Australia to Win IMC Over-40 World Cup 2026
Pakistan have emerged as champions of the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup 2026 after defeating Australia by one wicket in the final in Guyana.
Australia scored 281 for six in 45 overs, with Greg Hunt contributing 103 runs.
Pakistan’s Fariduddin claimed four wickets, while Wasim Ali took two.
In reply, Pakistan reached 282 for nine in 44.5 overs.
Adnan Akmal led the batting with 83 runs, followed by Javed Mansoor with 62 and Tariq Mahmood with 41.
Wasim Ali added 22 runs, while Fariduddin scored 24.
Australia’s Jamie Panelli took four wickets, and Britten Edward claimed two.
The match reached a dramatic conclusion when Pakistan were 280 for nine and needed two more runs.
Captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala struck the winning shot to complete the chase and secure the championship.
The one-wicket victory gave Pakistan the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup title and provided a memorable achievement for the country’s experienced cricketers.