LAHORE: Pakistan registered a strong start to the T20I series after defeating Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday.
Chasing a target of 169 runs, Australia could only manage 146/8 in 20 overs, falling short despite a fighting knock by Cameron Green (36).
Other Australian batters failed to build momentum. Travis Head scored 23, Matt Renshaw 15, Josh Philippe 12, while the remaining batters were dismissed cheaply.
Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket each, keeping Australia under pressure throughout the innings.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat first. Pakistan posted 168/8 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s innings started poorly as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed on the first ball of the match. However, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a solid partnership of 74 runs.
Saim Ayub scored 40 runs, while Salman Ali Agha made 39. Pakistan later lost wickets at regular intervals. Babar Azam scored 24, Fakhar Zaman 10, Usman Khan 18, Shadab Khan 1, and Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed for a duck.
For Australia, Adam Zampa was the standout bowler with four wickets, while Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beard took two wickets each.
Pakistan’s win gives them a 1-0 lead in the series.