Former India batsman Aakash Chopra took a swipe at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for being too loud while celebrating Team Green’s T20I win over Australia.

Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the opener of the ongoing three-match T20I series in Lahore on Thursday, January 29. The win was huge for Pakistan as it ended the seven-year wait for the Australian captain in the T20Is and gave them a 1-0 lead in the ongoing home series.

Akash Chopra questions Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s ‘proud moment’ post

Many Pakistanis see this as a confidence-boosting result ahead of the upcoming 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. 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 country.

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Sharif also praised the Pakistan team management and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for their behind-the-scenes efforts in making the national team strong on the field.

Shehbaz Sharif posted: “Well done to the Pakistan team, who performed brilliantly against Australia in the first T20I. I also thank PCB Chairman @MohsinnaqviC42 and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. A proud moment for the country.”

Pakistan put in a stellar performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate PCB Chairman @MohsinnaqviC42 and the tireless efforts of his entire team to strengthen Pakistan cricket. A proud moment for the country.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 30, 2026

Aakash Chopra takes dig at Pakistan PM’s ‘exciting’ tag

The Pakistani Prime Minister’s social media posts quickly attracted attention, but Aakash Chopra was unimpressed. In response, the former India batsman on Thursday cooled down the hype surrounding Pakistan’s narrow victory over the Kangaroos in Lahore.

Chopra pointed out that the Australian team that played the Pakistan series was not a complete team with several senior players missing. He also said that a 22-run victory in a match in which Pakistan scored close to 170 runs should not be described as something remarkable.

Sharing the Pakistan Prime Minister’s post, Aakash Chopra wrote: “With all due respect…it was a bilateral T20I match against Australia B. Many key players missed out. A 20-run win in a 170-run game cannot be considered ‘thrilling’.” 🫣”

IMHO…this is a bilateral T20i match against Australia B team. Many main players expressed regret for this. A 20 point win in a 170 point game has no way of qualifying as “exciting” 🫣 https://t.co/allr7esAbr

— Akash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 30, 2026

Pakistan sends clear message for 2026 T20 World Cup after defeating Australia

Meanwhile, Pakistan clearly demonstrated their focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup with a 22-run win over Australia in Lahore, just days after boycott talks hit the headlines. The men in green got off to a good start with Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Ali Agha putting up a crucial 74-run partnership.

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Ayub scored a crucial 40 runs while Aga scored 39 runs off 27 balls. Pakistan managed 3 for 92 at the half, but after the partnership broke down, order in the midfield collapsed. Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett picked up crucial wickets as Pakistan ended at 168/8, scoring just 76 runs in the last 10 overs.

Australia started chasing aggressively, with Travis Head attacking early on. However, Saim Ayub turned the tables by dismissing Head and Short cheaply. Salman Agha’s brilliant knock sent Matt Renshaw back and turned the momentum completely in Pakistan’s favour.

Abrar Ahmed then dismissed Cooper Connolly and another run out made matters worse for Australia. Cameron Green tried to fight alone but the chase failed when he was dismissed for 34 in the 13th over. Pakistan’s spinners kept their composure and registered a comfortable 22-run victory, proving that they are fully focused on the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.