Pakistan beat Australia by 22 runs to take 1-0 lead in T20I series
Cricket
Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, restricting the visitors to 146 for eight while defending a total of 168.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan secured a 22-run victory over Australia in the opening match of the three-match T20 International series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 169, Australia were restricted to 146 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, as Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to defend a competitive total under lights in Lahore.
Cameron Green top-scored for the visitors with 36 runs, while captain Travis Head contributed 23. Matthew Renshaw added 15, Josh Philippe made 12, Mitchell Owen scored eight, Matthew Short managed five, and Jack Edwards also added five. Despite brief resistance in the middle overs, Australia were unable to sustain momentum against a varied Pakistan bowling attack.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets each, applying pressure at key stages of the innings. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one wicket apiece, ensuring Australia never seriously threatened the target.
Spinners shine with a disciplined show
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 29, 2026
Pakistan secure a comfortable 22-run win over Australia in the first T20I #PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/gJYudwmvm6
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first. The hosts posted 168 for eight in 20 overs after recovering from an early setback.
Pakistan’s innings began on a dramatic note when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed on the very first ball of the match without scoring. The early blow was steadied by a solid partnership between Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, who added 74 runs for the second wicket to rebuild the innings.
Saim Ayub was dismissed for 40 with the total on 74, while Salman Ali Agha followed soon after for a well-paced 39. Babar Azam scored 24 but was out at 123, as Pakistan lost momentum during the latter half of the innings. Fakhar Zaman made 10, Usman Khan added 18, Shadab Khan scored one, and Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed without scoring.
Australia’s bowlers were led by Adam Zampa, who picked up four wickets to keep Pakistan’s total in check. Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beardman took two wickets each, applying pressure during the closing overs.
The win gives Pakistan an early advantage in the series as both teams continue preparations ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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.
