Pakistan end seven-year T20I drought against Australia with Lahore win
- All-rounder Saim Ayub shines with two wickets and 40 runs with the bat
Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I at Lahore on Thursday, registering their first T20I victory over Australia in more than seven years — a gap of 2,650 days.
The win was set up by an all-round display from Saim Ayub, who scored 40 off 22 balls and returned figures of 2 for 29, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 168 for 8 on a surface that became increasingly difficult for stroke-making.
After a brisk start, Pakistan slowed in the middle overs as the ball softened, with Adam Zampa claiming 4 for 24 to keep Australia in the contest.
Chasing 169, Australia were restricted to 146 for 8 despite Cameron Green’s 36 and an unbeaten 34 from Xavier Bartlett. Pakistan’s spin trio proved decisive, led by Abrar Ahmed, who took 2 for 10, as Australia struggled to accelerate.
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Pakistan captain Salman Agha said the pitch played a major role after the powerplay.
“It was a great game. We started well with the bat but couldn’t finish the way we wanted,” Salman said. “After the first ten overs, the ball stopped coming onto the bat. But I felt 170 was enough on this pitch because our spin bowling is outstanding.”
He confirmed he will continue batting at number three, citing the team’s strategy against spin-heavy attacks, and praised Abrar Ahmed and the spin unit for consistently delivering match-winning performances.
Australia captain Travis Head said his side felt they were still in the game at the halfway stage.
“As the ball got softer, it became harder to score, so we felt we were right in it,” Head said. “There are positives — Bartlett bowled well, Zampa did his thing — but also areas we need to improve.”
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Saim Ayub said Pakistan’s plans were clear with both bat and ball.
“Our goal in the powerplay was to dominate sensibly,” he said. “With the ball, we focused on hitting good lengths consistently, knowing it wouldn’t be easy to score.”
The result gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series and marks a rare and significant win over Australia in the shortest format.