Pakistan set 169-run target for Australia in first T20I in Lahore

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan set Australia a target of 169 runs in the opening match of the three-match T20 International series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first on a lively evening in Lahore. The hosts posted 168 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, setting Australia a challenging chase on a surface that offered assistance to both batters and bowlers.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed on the very first delivery of the match, departing without scoring. The early setback, however, was steadied by a responsible partnership between Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha, who rebuilt the innings with composure and intent.

The pair added 74 runs for the second wicket, providing Pakistan with much-needed stability. Saim Ayub was the first of the two to fall, caught after scoring 40 runs, with the total on 74. Salman Ali Agha followed soon after, contributing a fluent 39 before being dismissed as Pakistan looked to accelerate.

Babar Azam added 24 runs but was dismissed at a crucial stage, with Pakistan losing their fourth wicket at 123. Fakhar Zaman scored 10, Usman Khan made 18, while Shadab Khan managed just one run. Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed without scoring as Australia tightened their grip during the death overs.

Australia’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, led by Adam Zampa, who claimed four wickets to halt Pakistan’s momentum. Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beardman picked up two wickets apiece, keeping the hosts from pushing beyond the 170-mark.

The match marks the opening fixture of a three-match T20I series, with both sides using the contest to fine-tune combinations ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan entered the series carrying confidence from recent home T20I victories against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, as well as a drawn away series in Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Australia, meanwhile, are looking to regain momentum following a T20I series defeat against India, with the Lahore contest offering an early test for a side aiming to reassert itself in the shortest format.

Historically, Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T20 Internationals. Australia have won 14 of those encounters, while Pakistan have claimed 12 victories, with one match tied and another ending without a result.

SQUADS

Australia are led by Travis Head, with a playing XI featuring Matt Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa and Mahli Beardman.

Pakistan’s playing XI includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.