LAHORE: All-rounder Saim Ayub powered Pakistan to a 22-run victory over Australia in the first Twenty20 international on Thursday, as the hosts made the most of spin-friendly conditions to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan posted 168 for 8 after opting to bat, with Ayub leading the charge with a brisk 40 off 22 balls, featuring two sixes and three fours. Salman Agha provided late momentum, striking 39 off 27 deliveries, including four sixes.
Australia were restricted to 146 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Pakistan’s spinners claiming six wickets to seal the win.
Ayub also made an impact with the ball, removing openers Matthew Short for five and Travis Head for 23. Cameron Green top-scored for the visitors with 36, but resistance faded as Abrar Ahmed returned figures of 2 for 10, while Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan picked up one wicket each.
Adam Zampa was Australia’s standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 24, dismissing Ayub, Agha, Babar Azam (24) and Usman Khan (18).
Both sides are using the series as preparation for the T20 World Cup, set to begin in India and Sri Lanka next month.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha praised the collective effort, saying the team adapted well as conditions became tougher for batting. Stand-in Australian skipper Travis Head admitted the softening ball made scoring increasingly difficult.