Pakistan produced a confident all-round performance to defeat Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I at Lahore on Thursday, securing their first win over the visitors in the format in more than seven years.
The victory was powered by Saim Ayub, who starred with both bat and ball. He struck a quick 40 off 22 deliveries and later picked up two wickets for 29 runs, earning the Player of the Match award.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 168 for 8 on a pitch that grew tougher as the match progressed. After a lively start, scoring slowed in the middle overs as the ball softened, though Adam Zampa’s 4 for 24 kept Australia in contention.
In reply, Australia were held to 146 for 8. Cameron Green’s 36 and an unbeaten 34 from Xavier Bartlett were not enough as Pakistan’s spinners took control. Abrar Ahmed led the charge with an impressive 2 for 10.
Captain Salman Agha praised his spin attack and said the surface played into Pakistan’s strengths. The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
