Pakistan began their three-match T20 International series against Australia with an impressive 22-run victory in Lahore. The win gave the hosts a 1–0 lead and set a confident tone for the remaining matches.
The encounter was played at Gaddafi Stadium, where a lively crowd witnessed a disciplined all-round performance by Pakistan. Despite some early batting troubles, the home side defended a modest total with effective bowling and sharp fielding.
Pakistan Opt to Bat First
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first. The decision looked risky at the start. Pakistan lost their first wicket on the very first ball. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck, putting immediate pressure on the batting unit.
However, Pakistan recovered through a steady partnership. Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha rebuilt the innings with calm and control. They avoided risky shots early and focused on rotating the strike. Their partnership helped Pakistan regain momentum.
Saim Ayub was the standout batter. He scored a fluent 40 runs and looked comfortable against both pace and spin. The partnership ended at a team total of 74, when Ayub was dismissed.
Middle Order Struggles but Total Reached
After Ayub’s dismissal, wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Salman Ali Agha scored 39 runs, playing several elegant strokes. Former captain Babar Azam added 24 runs but could not accelerate late in the innings.
Fakhar Zaman managed 10 runs, while Usman Khan contributed 18. Shadab Khan was dismissed for one run. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was out without scoring. Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 15 runs at the end.
Despite losing eight wickets, Pakistan reached 168 runs in their 20 overs. The total was competitive but not overwhelming by modern T20 standards.
Australia’s bowlers played a key role. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the most effective. He took four wickets for 24 runs. Pacers Bartlett and Beardman claimed two wickets each.
Australia Fall Short in the Chase
Chasing a target of 169, Australia never looked fully comfortable. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure from the start. They bowled tight lines and varied their pace well.
Australia finished on 146 runs for eight wickets in their 20 overs. Cameron Green was the top scorer with 36 runs. Bartlett added a fighting 34. However, no other batter built a decisive innings.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly. Saim Ayub impressed with the ball, taking two wickets. Abrar Ahmed also claimed two wickets with his spin. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket each.
As a result, Australia were kept below the required run rate throughout the innings.
Debuts and Team Line-ups
Australia were led by Travis Head in this match. The visitors handed debuts to three players. These included Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw. The changes reflected Australia’s effort to test new talent in the shortest format.
Pakistan’s playing eleven featured a balanced mix of youth and experience. The team included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
Early Momentum in the Series
With this victory, Pakistan have taken an early advantage in the three-match series. The win will boost confidence, especially after recent mixed results in T20 cricket.
Moreover, the performance highlighted Pakistan’s bowling depth and adaptability at home conditions. Australia, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly and improve their batting execution.
The next matches in the series are expected to be closely contested, as both teams adjust strategies and combinations.
