LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 International of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday to take a 1–0 lead.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha elected to bat first. Pakistan posted 168 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the top scorer with 40 runs, while Salman Ali Agha contributed 39. Babar Azam scored 24, Usman Khan 18, Fakhar Zaman 10, and Mohammad Nawaz remained not out on 15.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a poor start as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck on the very first ball of the match. However, Saim Ayub and the captain steadied the innings with a responsible partnership. The momentum slowed after Ayub’s dismissal at a total of 74, and wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter.
For Australia, Adam Zampa was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 24 runs, while Bartlett and Beardman picked up two wickets each.
Chasing a target of 169, Australia failed to accelerate and managed 146 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. Cameron Green top-scored with 36 runs, while Bartlett added 34.
Pakistan’s bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket apiece.
Australia were led by Travis Head, and the match marked the T20I debuts of Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.
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