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Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: Pakistan kicked off the three-match T20I series against Australia with a commanding 22-run victory in the first encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead. The hosts posted a competitive 168/8 after opting to bat first and then restricted the visitors to 146/8 in their chase, thanks to disciplined bowling, particularly from their spinners.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and elected to bat under lights, a decision that paid dividends despite an early setback. Opener Sahibzada Farhan departed for a duck on the very first ball, caught and bowled by Xavier Bartlett. However, Saim Ayub provided a brisk counter-attack, smashing 40 off just 22 balls to steady the innings. He found good support from Salman Agha (39 off 27) as the pair added valuable runs during the powerplay.
Babar Azam contributed a steady hand, but Australia’s bowlers, led by leg-spinner Adam Zampa’s four-wicket haul, kept the scoring in check. Zampa’s variations troubled the middle order, while debutants Mahli Beardman and Xavier Bartlett picked up two wickets each. Pakistan managed to reach 168/8, with late cameos from Usman Khan and Shadab Khan proving crucial.
In reply, Australia started cautiously but lost wickets at regular intervals. Travis Head’s side struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack on a surface that offered some turn. Saim Ayub, surprisingly effective with the ball, claimed two wickets, while mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was the star with figures of 2/10 in his spell, dismantling the middle order. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz also chipped in with key scalps, including Cameron Green and others.
Australia’s chase never truly gained momentum, with the required rate climbing steadily. A late 34-run stand between Xavier Bartlett (not out on a fighting knock) and Adam Zampa for the ninth wicket provided some resistance and even set a new record for Australia’s highest ninth-wicket partnership in T20Is, but it came too late. The visitors finished well short at 146/8.
The win marks a significant boost for Pakistan, ending an eight-year winless streak against Australia in T20Is according to some reports, and sets an ideal tone ahead of the T20 World Cup preparations. Saim Ayub was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
Pakistan’s bowling unit showed excellent variety and control, particularly in the middle overs, while their top-order resilience ensured a defendable total. Australia, featuring three debutants and led by Travis Head in the absence of regular skipper Mitchell Marsh, will look to bounce back in the second T20I.The series continues with the second match in Lahore, promising more high-stakes action between these two cricketing powerhouses.
