Pakistan beats Australia in first T20 to go 1-0 up in series

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first match of the three-match T20 series, taking a 1-0 lead. The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first.

Pakistan posted 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the standout batter with 40 runs, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s 39 and contributions from Babar Azam (24), Fakhar Zaman (10), and Usman Khan (18). Mohammad Nawaz remained 15 not out.

Pakistan’s start was shaky as Sahbazada Farhan was dismissed for 0 on the very first ball. However, Saem Ayub and Salman Ali Agha stabilized the innings with responsible batting and attractive stroke play.

Adam Zampa was Australia’s most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Barrett and Beardman took 2 wickets each.

Chasing 169 runs, Australia struggled to keep up with the required run rate and finished on 146 for 8 in 20 overs. Cameron Green (36) and Barrett (34) were the main contributors, while Pakistan bowlers Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed picked 2 wickets each, and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

Three Australian players made their T20 debuts: Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.

This victory gives the Green Shirts a strong start in the series, putting pressure on Australia in the remaining two matches.