1st T20I: Pakistan defeat Australia by 22 runs

Lahore (Web Desk):  Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I of the 3-match series, taking a 1-0 lead.

The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, won the toss and chose to bat first.

Pakistan posted a total of 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Saeem Ayub was the standout batter, scoring 40 runs.

The match did not start well for Pakistan, with Sahibzada Farhan being dismissed for a duck on the first ball of the match. After his dismissal, Saeem Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha played responsible knocks and hit some delightful shots. However, at a total of 74, Saeem Ayub was dismissed for 40 runs.

Following that, Salman Ali Agha contributed 39 runs, Babar Azam 24, Fakhar Zaman 10, Usman Khan 18, Shadab Khan 1, and Shaheen Afridi was dismissed for a duck. Mohammad Nawaz remained not out at 15 runs, and Pakistan ended their innings with a total of 168/8 in 20 overs.

Australia’s Adam Zampa was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Barlett and Behrdmane claimed 2 wickets each.

Chasing a target of 169, Australia struggled to play freely and was restricted to 146/8 in 20 overs. Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with 36 runs, while Barlett contributed 34 runs.

Pakistan's Saeem Ayub and Abrar Ahmed each picked up 2 wickets. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took 1 wicket each.

With this victory, Pakistan now leads the 3-match series 1-0.

Australia’s team was led by Travis Head, and three debutants made their appearance: Mahli Behrdmane, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.

Teams

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

Australia: Travis Head (c), Matt Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman and Adam Zampa.