Pakistan start T20 series with 22-run win over Australia

LAHORE: Pakistan got off to a winning start in their T20 series against Australia, defeating the visitors by 22 runs in the first game at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Pakistan innings

After winning the toss, captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first. Pakistan posted a total of 168/5 in 20 overs, setting Australia a challenging target of 169 for victory.

Despite losing a wicket on the very first ball, Pakistan’s top order played aggressively. Saima Ayub scored 40, while captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 39. Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck, and Babar Azam added 24 runs.

Australia’s Adam Zampa claimed four wickets, while Xavier Bartlett and Mahl Bradman took two each.

Australia innings

Chasing 169, Australia’s batting faltered from the start. The visitors were 5 down for just 80, with wickets falling regularly. Their first two wickets fell at 21 and 28, before Matt Renshaw was run out at 68. Shortly after, Connelly also fell at the same score, and Mitchell Marsh was run out at 80.

Australia ultimately managed 146/8 in 20 overs, falling 22 runs short of the target.

Pakistan’s Saima Ayub and Mohammad Abrar took 2 wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz claimed 1 wicket apiece to finish off the Australian innings.