Pakistan’s long wait for a T20I win over Australia ended in Lahore on Thursday night as the Salman Ali Agha-led hosts secured a 22-run win in the opener of the three-match series, with Saim Ayub playing a key role in front of a packed Gaddafi Stadium.
It has been 2,650 days since Pakistan last defeated Australia in a men’s T20 international. Under the lights and in familiar home conditions, they finally broke that sequence, taking a 1-0 lead and setting the tone for the series, just a week before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat but were soon pushed away by the Australian bowlers. With wickets falling in the powerplay, the innings needed stability, which came through Saim and captain Salman Ali Agha. The pair batted with patience and clarity, adjusting without panic and keeping the scoreboard moving with sharp runs and well-timed strikes.
Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I: Highlights
Their 74-run partnership shaped Pakistan’s innings. Saim scored 40 while Salman 39 and at the halfway stage, Pakistan were in a good place at 92 for 3 and looking on course for a strong total. However, the second half proved to be more difficult. Australia tightened their lines and Adam Zampa found consistent spin and control, exposing Pakistan’s middle order. Wickets fell regularly as Pakistan struggled to find momentum and Zampa finished with 4 for 24 as the hosts managed just 76 runs in the last 10 overs to finish at 168 for 8.
Australia started the chase with aggression led by captain Travis Head who attacked from the first over. Pakistan needed a timely response and it came from Saim, who struck twice to remove both openers and halt Australia’s progress. Break points changed the mood of the game and put the home side back in control.
Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green then tried to steady the chase with a more cautious approach. Their partnership offered Australia some hope, but Pakistan remained wary in the area. A sharp piece of work from Salman Agha led to Renshaw being run out just before halfway, a moment that tipped the balance further in Pakistan’s favour.
The pressure kept mounting as Pakistan’s spinners took over. Abrar Ahmed bowled under control and variation, dismissing Cooper Connolly and keeping the score in check. Another run out followed, leaving Australia increasingly reliant on Green, who continued to battle despite the growing gap between runs needed and balls remaining.
Green’s dismissal in the 13th over proved decisive. With their last major resistance gone, Australia slipped into a steady slump, losing wickets at regular intervals as Pakistan stuck to their plans. Saim and Abrar finished with two wickets each and Australia were restricted to 146 for 8.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 29, 2026
