Pakistan beat Australia by 22 runs in first T20I

Pakistan made a strong start to the three-match T20I series by defeating Australia by 22 runs in the opening match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Despite posting a modest total, the hosts sealed the contest with a disciplined bowling performance.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan suffered an early setback as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck off the very first ball. However, Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha counter-attacked to steady the innings. Saim played an aggressive knock of 40 off 22 balls, accelerating the scoring rate, while Salman contributed a composed 39 runs, including four sixes.

In the middle overs, Babar Azam (24) tried to anchor the innings but failed to convert his start into a big score. Late contributions from Mohammad Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 15, helped Pakistan post 168 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. For Australia, Adam Zampa was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.

Chasing a target of 169, Australia also got off to a shaky start, losing opener Matthew Short for just 5 runs. Skipper Travis Head struck a brisk 23 but could not build on it. Cameron Green was the only batter to put up some resistance, scoring 36 off 31 balls.

Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to maintain control of the match. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2 for 10 in four overs, while Saim Ayub capped off a fine all-round performance by picking up two crucial wickets.

Although Xavier Bartlett remained unbeaten on 34 towards the end, Australia fell short of the target. Their innings ended at 146 for 8 in 20 overs.

As a result, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series, with Saim Ayub named Player of the Match for his all-rounder.