Pakistan vs Australia Tests 2022: First Home Series in 24 Years — Australia Won 1–0
Australia's Test tour of Pakistan in March-April 2022 was the first Test series played by Australia in Pakistan since 1998 — a gap of 24 years due to security concerns. Three Tests were played at Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore. First Test Rawalpindi (4–8 March): Draw — Pakistan 476/4 declared (Imam-ul-Haq 157, Azhar Ali 185) and 252/8 declared; Australia 459 (Usman Khawaja 97) and 204/5 — drawn. Second Test Karachi (12–16 March): Australia won by 115 runs — Australia 556/9 declared (Usman Khawaja 160, Steve Smith 78) and 97/2 declared; Pakistan 148 and 390 (Babar Azam 196). Third Test Lahore (21–25 March): Draw — Pakistan 268 (Babar Azam 102) and 252/0 declared (Imam 70*, Abdullah Shafique 136*); Australia 391 and 156/5. Australia won series 1–0. Usman Khawaja was Player of the Series — born in Pakistan, scoring 496 runs across the series. Pakistan captained by Babar Azam; Australia by Pat Cummins.
Australia's Test tour of Pakistan in March-April 2022 was the first time Australia had played Test cricket in Pakistan since 1998 — a gap of 24 years caused primarily by security concerns following terrorist attacks in Pakistan in the 2000s. The return of international cricket to Pakistan in these conditions was significant for Pakistan cricket and for the country as a whole. Babar Azam captained Pakistan; Pat Cummins captained Australia. Three Tests were played at Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore.
Khawaja's Homecoming and the Karachi Test
Usman Khawaja was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, and emigrated to Australia as a child. His return to Pakistan as an Australian cricketer gave the series a compelling personal subplot. He scored 97 in the first Test at Rawalpindi (which ended in a draw, with both teams scoring heavily — Pakistan 476/4 declared, Australia 459) and then produced his standout performance in the second Test at Karachi. Khawaja scored 160 and Steve Smith 78 as Australia posted 556 for 9 declared. Pakistan were bowled out for 148 in their first innings. Babar Azam responded heroically with 196 in Pakistan's second innings but Pakistan, set a massive target, fell short by 115 runs. Australia had won the decisive Test.
The Lahore Draw and Series Result
The third Test at Lahore ended in another draw. Pakistan scored 268 (Babar Azam 102) in their first innings; Australia replied with 391. Pakistan then produced an extraordinary second innings: they declared at 252 for 0, with Abdullah Shafique scoring 136 not out and Imam-ul-Haq 70 not out — both not dismissed. Australia were set a challenging target late in the match but reached 156 for 5, the match ending in a draw. Australia won the series 1–0. Usman Khawaja's 496 runs across the series made him a natural choice as Player of the Series — his return to the country of his birth was one of cricket's most memorable stories.
Frequently asked questions
What were the results of Australia's Test series in Pakistan in 2022 and why was it significant?
Australia won the Test series in Pakistan in 2022 by 1-0 (one win, two draws) — the first Test series Australia had played in Pakistan since 1998. The series returned after a 24-year absence caused by security concerns. Australia won the decisive second Test at Karachi by 115 runs (Australia 556/9 declared, Pakistan 148 & 390 with Babar Azam scoring 196). Usman Khawaja — born in Pakistan — scored 496 runs across the series and was named Player of the Series. Babar Azam captained Pakistan; Pat Cummins captained Australia.
Who was Usman Khawaja and why was his role in the Pakistan Tests 2022 so significant?
Usman Khawaja was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, and emigrated to Australia as a child. He became an Australian Test cricketer, and the 2022 series was his return to his birthplace as an opposing player. He scored 496 runs across the three Tests — including 97 in the first Test and 160 in the second Test at Karachi. He was named Player of the Series. Australia won the series 1–0. The personal and cricketing significance of Khawaja's performance in Pakistan — the country of his birth — made the series one of the most emotionally compelling Test series of recent years.