Lahore, January 29, 2026: An outstanding all-round performance by Saim Ayub powered Pakistan to a 22-run victory over Australia in the first Twenty20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, marking Pakistan’s first T20I win against Australia in over seven years.
After winning the toss, Pakistan posted 168 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings recovered from an early setback when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha then steadied the innings with a crucial 74-run partnership.
Returning to Pakistan’s T20 side following a difficult Big Bash League stint, Babar Azam scored 24 before falling to leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who emerged as Australia’s standout bowler with four wickets, including the key dismissals of Babar, Saim and Salman. Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beardman picked up two wickets apiece.
Defending the target, Pakistan’s bold decision to field four spinners proved decisive as they dismantled the Australian batting line-up. Saim struck early, removing the aggressive Travis Head for 23 and dismissing Matthew Short in his first over. Abrar Ahmed chipped in with two wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan shared a pair between them.
Australia were restricted to 146 for 8, despite fighting knocks from Cameron Green (36) and Xavier Bartlett (34). The visitors were also undone by two costly run-outs.
Saim Ayub, who was named Player of the Match, said the team had a clear plan. “Conditions were a bit challenging, but our plan was to dominate with the new ball as much as possible,” he said. Speaking about his batting approach, he added that the focus during the powerplay was to “calculate the innings, watch the ball and enjoy the process”.
On the bowling strategy, Saim noted: “We knew that if we hit a good length consistently, it wouldn’t be easy for the batters to score.”
Captain Salman Ali Agha praised Pakistan’s bowling effort while admitting the batting unit could have finished stronger. “It was a great game. We started well with the bat but couldn’t finish the way we wanted. After the first 10 overs, the ball stopped coming onto the bat, but I think we were outstanding with the ball,” he said.
Salman confirmed he would continue batting at number three, citing spin-friendly conditions. “We were expecting a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the powerplay. That’s why I moved up, and that is where I’ll stay.”
He said a target of around 170 was sufficient given the pitch and Pakistan’s bowling strength. “After ten overs, we probably could have scored 15 more, but I knew 170 would be plenty on this pitch because our spin bowling is outstanding,” he said, singling out Abrar Ahmed’s consistent impact since his debut.
The Australian team arrived in Lahore on Wednesday, marking their third tour of Pakistan. All three T20Is are scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1, according to the PCB.
Ahead of the series, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh had praised Pakistan and described the tour as an important challenge in preparation for the T20 World Cup, while Salman Agha had stressed that the series would help Pakistan “tick all boxes” ahead of the global event.
