Pakistan kicked off their T20 series against Australia on a high note, defeating the visitors by 22 runs in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Saim Ayub emerged as the star performer with bat and ball, securing the Player of the Match honors and giving Pakistan a commanding 1-0 advantage.
The hosts, batting first after a toss win, lost opener Sahibzada Farhan without troubling the scorers. Undeterred, skipper Salman Agha (39 off 27) and Saim Ayub (40 off 22) forged a match-defining 74-run stand. Ayub’s aggressive knock featured three fours and two maximums, injecting momentum into the innings.
Babar Azam (24) and Fakhar Zaman built a 37-run alliance, while Usman Khan added 18. Pakistan posted 168 for 8 in their 20 overs. Australia’s bowlers struck back, led by Adam Zampa’s impressive 4 for 24, with Bartlett and Beardman grabbing two scalps apiece.
Australia’s chase faltered from the outset. Travis Head’s brisk 23 off 13 couldn’t prevent an early collapse to 28 for 2 after Matthew Short’s 5. Green and Renshaw’s 40-run effort provided hope, but the middle order crumbled. A late flourish from Xavier Bartlett (34 not out) and Adam Zampa (5) wasn’t enough, stranding Australia at 146 for 8.
Ayub struck twice with the ball, as did Abrar Ahmed. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one each. This comprehensive win highlights Pakistan’s depth and Ayub’s rising stardom, promising an exciting series ahead.