Pakistan vs Australia is one of the long-running rivalries in Test cricket. The two teams first met in a Test match in 1956, and since then their contests have produced memorable performances from legends such as Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Allan Border, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Steve Smith. Pakistan vs australia head to head in test
As of September 2026, Pakistan and Australia have played 72 Test matches. Australia have won 37, Pakistan have won 15, and 20 matches have ended in draws. The latest Test meeting came in January 2024, when Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep on home soil.
Pakistan vs Australia Test Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Pakistan | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tests played | 72 | 72 |
| Matches won | 15 | 37 |
| Matches lost | 37 | 15 |
| Draws | 20 | 20 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| First Test | 1956 | 1956 |
| Most recent Test | 2024 | 2024 |
Australia therefore have a significant advantage in the overall head-to-head record, winning more than twice as many Tests as Pakistan. Pakistan vs australia head to head in test
First Test Between Pakistan and Australia
Pakistan and Australia played their first Test in Karachi in October 1956. Pakistan made an outstanding beginning to the rivalry by defeating Australia by nine wickets.
The match became particularly famous because Pakistan’s legendary fast-medium bowler Fazal Mahmood produced a remarkable performance, taking 13 wickets in the match. Australia were dismissed for just 80 in their first innings, still their lowest total against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s victory established them as a serious Test nation despite being relatively new to international cricket.
Australia Gain the Upper Hand
Australia won their first Test in Pakistan in 1959. Over the following decades, the rivalry became increasingly competitive.
Pakistan enjoyed several successful periods, especially on home soil and at neutral venues. Australia, however, gradually developed a stronger overall record, particularly in Australia.
According to the historical series record, Pakistan have never won a Test series in Australia. Australia have won 10 of the 13 series played in Australia, while three series were drawn.
Pakistan’s Greatest Test Successes
Despite Australia’s overall dominance, Pakistan have produced several extraordinary victories.
One of the most famous came in 1979 at Melbourne, when Pakistan won after Sarfraz Nawaz produced an outstanding bowling performance.
Another memorable victory came in Karachi in 1994, when Pakistan defeated Australia by just one wicket in a dramatic finish.
Pakistan also enjoyed considerable success against Australia in the UAE. Their 2-0 series victory in 2014 was particularly impressive, as Pakistan dominated a strong Australian side in conditions that suited their spin bowling and experienced batting lineup.
Pakistan’s 1980s Dominance
During the 1980s, Pakistan became one of the strongest Test teams in world cricket.
Players such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Abdul Qadir played important roles.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was particularly dangerous. Imran Khan led a formidable pace unit, while Abdul Qadir provided a world-class leg-spin option.
Pakistan’s success during this era helped narrow the gap between the two teams.
Australia Enter a Golden Era
Australia became increasingly dominant from the mid-1990s.
The Australian side featured players such as:
- Allan Border
- Mark Taylor
- Steve Waugh
- Ricky Ponting
- Shane Warne
- Glenn McGrath
- Matthew Hayden
- Adam Gilchrist
This generation transformed Australia into the dominant Test team of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Pakistan struggled to match Australia consistently during this period.
From the 1999-2000 series through the 2009-10 series, Australia recorded several dominant victories, including multiple clean sweeps.
Pakistan vs Australia in the 1999-2000 Series
The 1999-2000 Test series in Australia was one of the most difficult periods for Pakistan.
Australia won the three-Test series 3-0.
The Australian batting lineup was exceptionally strong, while Pakistan struggled to deal with Australia’s pace and spin attack.
This period demonstrated the growing gap between the two sides in Australian conditions.
2010: Pakistan End a Long Wait
Pakistan finally recorded a Test victory over Australia again in 2010, in a two-Test series played in England.
The series finished 1-1.
This was an important moment because Pakistan had endured a long period without defeating Australia in Test cricket.
Pakistan’s 2014 UAE Triumph
Pakistan produced one of their best recent Test performances against Australia in 2014.
Playing in the UAE, Pakistan won the two-Test series 2-0.
The second Test in Abu Dhabi was particularly memorable. Pakistan dominated Australia with a huge victory, with their spin bowlers playing an important role.
This series demonstrated how different conditions could dramatically change the balance between the two teams.
2018-19 Series
Pakistan and Australia again met in the UAE during the 2018-19 season.
Pakistan won the two-Test series 1-0, with one match ending in a draw.
It was another example of Pakistan’s strong record against Australia in the UAE.
Australia Return to Pakistan in 2022
Australia’s 2022 tour of Pakistan was historic because it was Australia’s first Test tour of Pakistan since 1998.
The three-Test series was played in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore.
The first two Tests ended in draws, but Australia won the third Test in Lahore by 115 runs.
Australia therefore won the series 1-0.
The tour was significant not only for the cricket but also because it marked Australia’s return to Pakistan after more than two decades.
2023-24 Test Series
Australia hosted Pakistan for a three-Test series during the 2023-24 season.
Australia won the first Test in Perth by 360 runs. They then defeated Pakistan in Melbourne by 79 runs.
In the third Test at Sydney, Australia won by eight wickets.
The series therefore ended in a 3-0 Australian victory.
This remains the most recent Test series between the teams.
Pakistan vs Australia in Australia
Australia have been particularly dominant at home.
The two teams have played 40 Tests in Australia, with Australia winning 29, Pakistan winning 4, and 7 ending in draws.
Pakistan’s four Test victories in Australia are therefore especially valuable in the history of the rivalry.
Australian conditions have traditionally presented Pakistan with a major challenge because of the pace, bounce and large boundaries.
Pakistan vs Australia in Pakistan
Pakistan have performed considerably better when playing at home.
Historical records show that Australia have won only a small number of Tests on Pakistani soil, while Pakistan have enjoyed several victories.
Pakistan’s home advantage was particularly important during the earlier decades of the rivalry.
The 2022 series was notable because Australia returned to Pakistan after a 24-year absence.
Neutral Venues
Pakistan and Australia have also played several Tests at neutral venues.
Because of security and scheduling issues, Pakistan hosted Australia in the UAE and other neutral locations during certain periods.
Pakistan were highly successful in these conditions, most notably with their 2-0 victory in 2014 and their 1-0 series victory in 2018-19.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Imran Khan
Imran Khan was one of Pakistan’s greatest all-rounders and captains. His fast bowling and leadership made him a major force against Australia.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram’s swing bowling made him one of the most dangerous Pakistan bowlers Australia faced.
Waqar Younis
Waqar’s pace, reverse swing and devastating yorkers made him another major threat to Australian batsmen.
Abdul Qadir
The legendary leg-spinner was particularly effective in conditions that offered assistance to spin.
Shane Warne
Australia’s greatest leg-spinner, Shane Warne, played an important role in Australia’s success against Pakistan.
Glenn McGrath
McGrath’s accuracy and consistency made him a key part of Australia’s dominant Test teams.
Steve Smith
In the modern era, Steve Smith has been one of Australia’s most successful batsmen against Pakistan. His ability to score heavily against different bowling attacks has made him a major player in the rivalry.
Biggest Test Victories
Australia’s largest recent victory over Pakistan came in the 2023 Perth Test, when Australia won by 360 runs.
Pakistan’s first Test victory over Australia in 1956 was by nine wickets. Other famous Pakistan victories include the one-wicket thriller in Karachi in 1994 and their major UAE successes.
Overall Series Record
Pakistan and Australia have played 27 Test series, according to the detailed historical match record. Australia have won more series overall, while Pakistan have enjoyed their strongest periods at home and at neutral venues.
The long-term pattern is clear: Australia have generally dominated in Australia, while Pakistan have been much more competitive in Asian conditions.
What Makes Pakistan vs Australia Tests Special?
The rivalry combines two contrasting cricketing traditions.
Australia have traditionally relied on fast bowling, aggressive batting and relentless pressure. Pakistan have often produced unpredictable but highly talented teams, especially in fast bowling and spin.
This contrast has produced many unforgettable matches.
From Fazal Mahmood’s heroics in 1956 to Pakistan’s UAE victories and Australia’s recent dominance, the rivalry has continued to evolve over seven decades.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Australia head-to-head record in Test cricket strongly favors Australia. Across 72 Tests, Australia have won 37, Pakistan have won 15, and 20 matches have ended in draws.
Pakistan, however, have enjoyed several memorable periods and victories, particularly in Pakistan and at neutral venues. Their famous wins in Karachi, Melbourne and the UAE demonstrate that they have always possessed the ability to challenge Australia.
Australia’s dominance has been particularly strong on home soil, where Pakistan have won only four Tests. The latest chapter came in the 2023-24 series, when Australia completed a 3-0 sweep.
With a history stretching back to 1956, Pakistan vs Australia remains one of the most fascinating Test rivalries in international cricket.
5 FAQs
1. How many Tests have Pakistan and Australia played?
Pakistan and Australia have played 72 Test matches.
2. Who has won more Tests between Pakistan and Australia?
Australia have won 37 Tests, while Pakistan have won 15. Twenty matches have ended in draws.
3. When did Pakistan and Australia first play a Test?
Their first Test was played in Karachi in October 1956, with Pakistan winning by nine wickets.
4. When did Pakistan last beat Australia in a Test series?
Pakistan’s most recent Test series victory over Australia came in 2018-19, when they won the two-Test series 1-0 in the UAE.
5. When did Pakistan and Australia last play a Test?
Their most recent Test was the Sydney Test in January 2024, which Australia won by eight wickets. Australia won the three-match series 3-0.