Lahore: Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series.
Although Pakistan’s batting faltered after a promising start—much like it did during the Asia Cup, the team still produced several standout performances that proved decisive in the match.
Here are some of the key highlights:
- Pakistan registered their first T20I victory over Australia in seven years.
- Opener Saim Ayub delivered an outstanding all-round performance, scoring 44 runs off just 22 balls and claiming two wickets with the ball.
- Captain Salman Ali Agha played a responsible knock of 39 runs, signaling a strong return to form in T20 cricket.
- Babar Azam contributed 24 runs with the bat and took three difficult catches in the field.
- Spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled an exceptional spell, conceding only 10 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets.
- Australia had planned to aggressively target Pakistan’s spinners, but the Pakistani spin attack completely thwarted that strategy.
Pakistan now lead the three-match T20I series 1-0.
