Ayub all-round display helps Pakistan clinch 1st T20I

Ayub all-round display helps Pakistan clinch 1st T20I

Pakistan took a 1-0 series lead with a 22-run victory over Australia in the first T20I in Lahore. Batting first, Pakistan posted 168 for 6 before their bowlers restricted Australia to 146 for 8.

Pakistan's innings started shakily with Sahibzada Farhan dismissed on the first ball. Saim Ayub (40) and Salman Ali Agha (39) then built a strong 74-run partnership, hitting several sixes. After their dismissals, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman contributed, but Adam Zampa's spin (4 for 24) and debutant Mahli Beardman's two wickets in the final over limited Pakistan's finish.

In response, Australia's openers started aggressively. Travis Head hit a six before falling to Ayub. Cameron Green top-scored with 36, but regular wickets, including two run-outs, stifled the chase. Ayub also contributed with the ball, taking 2 for 29. Xavier Bartlett's late hitting (34*) wasn't enough as Pakistan secured the win.

Brief Scores:
Pakistan 168/8 in 20 overs (Saim Ayub 40, Salman Agha 39; Adam Zampa 4-24) beat Australia 146/8 in 20 overs (Cameron Green 36, Xavier Bartlett 34*; Abrar Ahmed 2-10, Saim Ayub 2-29) by 22 runs.