Pakistan registered a comprehensive 22-run victory over Australia in the first T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, successfully defending a below-par total of 168/8.
After being sent into bat, Pakistan were propelled by explosive knocks from Saim Ayub (40 off 22, SR 181.82), captain Salman Agha (39 off 27 with 4 sixes), and a steady contribution from Babar Azam (24 off 20) at his new number four position.
Despite Adam Zampa’s brilliant 4-wicket haul restricting the hosts, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in spin bowling on a gripping surface. Abrar Ahmed was the standout performer with exceptional figures of 4-0-10-2, supported brilliantly by Mohammad Nawaz (1/25) and part-timer Saim Ayub (2/29).
The spinners strangled Australia’s chase after the powerplay, with the visitors managing only 146/8 in their 20 overs despite Cameron Green’s fighting 36 and Xavier Bartlett’s late fireworks of 34.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Toss Winner | Pakistan |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Match Winner | Pakistan (by 22 runs) |
| 1st Innings Score | Pakistan 168/8 (20 overs) |
| 2nd Innings Score | Australia 146/8 (20 overs) |
| Man of the Match | Abrar Ahmed (4-0-10-2) |
| Best Batsman | Saim Ayub (40 off 22, SR 181.82) |
| Best Bowler | Adam Zampa (4-0-24-4, Econ 6.00) |
Pakistan Innings: Ayub and Agha Lead Recovery
Pakistan’s innings started disastrously when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a golden duck off Xavier Bartlett’s first ball. However, Saim Ayub and Salman Agha counterattacked brilliantly, stitching a crucial 74-run partnership off just 45 balls that propelled Pakistan to 56/1 after the powerplay.
Ayub was particularly aggressive, smashing a six off Cooper Connolly in the second over and maintaining a strike rate of 181.82. Adam Zampa turned the tide for Australia with a devastating spell, dismissing both set batsmen in quick succession. Babar Azam, batting at number four in an unfamiliar role, struggled for rhythm and scored a laborious 24 off 20 before being trapped LBW by Zampa.
Fakhar Zaman’s uncharacteristic struggle (10 off 16) further hampered Pakistan’s momentum. Mohammad Nawaz’s unbeaten 15 off 14 provided late impetus, but Pakistan finished 15-20 runs below par.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | 40 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 181.82 | Adam Zampa | 4 | 24 | 4 | 6.00 |
| Salman Agha | 39 | 27 | 1 | 4 | 144.44 | Xavier Bartlett | 4 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 |
| Babar Azam | 24 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 120.00 | Mahli Beardman | 4 | 33 | 2 | 8.20 |
Australia’s Chase: Spinners Strangle the Visitors
Australia started positively with Travis Head smashing 23 off 13, including two sixes off Saim Ayub. However, Ayub had the last laugh, dismissing both openers within the powerplay with his carrom ball, accounting for Matthew Short.
The introduction of Abrar Ahmed after the powerplay proved decisive. His mystery spin bamboozled the Australian batters, conceding just 10 runs in four overs while claiming two crucial wickets. Cooper Connolly was bowled for a duck, while Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen were both run out in unfortunate mix-ups.
Cameron Green fought valiantly with 36 off 31, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Xavier Bartlett’s late assault (34 off 25) gave Australia hope, smashing two sixes, but Pakistan’s spinners maintained their stranglehold. The floodlight malfunction briefly halted play, but Pakistan wrapped up victory comfortably by 22 runs, showcasing their dominance in home conditions.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Green | 36 | 31 | 3 | 1 | 116.13 | Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 10 | 2 | 2.50 |
| Xavier Bartlett | 34 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 136.00 | Mohammad Nawaz | 4 | 25 | 1 | 6.25 |
| Travis Head | 23 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 176.92 | Saim Ayub | 3 | 29 | 2 | 9.70 |
