Pakistan beat Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series being played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing 169, Australia stumbled to 146/8 in 20 overs despite a brisk start. Early strikes by Saim Ayub triggered a collapse, with Cameron Green top-scoring with 36. Xavier Bartlett’s late 34 (not out) proved futile as Pakistan secured victory through disciplined bowling.
Earlier, Pakistan, batting first, scored 168 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Saim Ayub top-scored with 40 runs, followed by Salman Ali Agha with 39. Babar Azam contributed 24 runs, Usman Khan 18, and Fakhar Zaman 10. Australian spinner Adam Zampa claimed four wickets.
Pakistan’s playing XI includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, along with Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
For Australia, Travis Head is leading the side in today’s match against Pakistan, while Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis are unavailable. From the Australian side, Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw are making their T20 debuts.
It is worth noting that the second and third T20 matches between the two teams will be played on January 31 and February 1, with all matches in the series scheduled to begin at 4:00pm.
