KEY POINTS
- Spinner Abrar Ahmed delivered match-winning spell of 2 for 10.
- Australia’s batting faltered consistently, losing wickets at regular intervals.
- Pakistan’s innings of 168 was built on a blazing start by Saim Ayub and Salman Agha.
- Victory gives Pakistan 1-0 series lead, providing crucial momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
LAHORE, Pakistan: A disciplined bowling performance, led by a mesmerising spell from spinner Abrar Ahmed, powered Pakistan to a convincing 22-run win over Australia in the first T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Defending a competitive total of 168, Pakistan’s attack strangled the Australian chase from the outset, eventually bowling them out for 146 to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Abrar Ahmed’s masterclass in control
The undoubted star of the night was leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, whose four-over spell of 2 for 10 crippled Australia’s middle order and applied relentless pressure.
His impeccable economy rate of 2.50 runs per over completely stalled the visitors’ momentum during the crucial middle phase of the innings.
He received key support from all-rounders Saim Ayub (2/29), who removed both openers, and Mohammad Nawaz (1/25).
Part-time spinner Shadab Khan also chipped in with a vital wicket.
Australia’s chase falters
Australia’s innings never found fluency, losing wickets at regular intervals. After a brisk start from Travis Head (23 off 13), the chase unravelled against Pakistan’s spin trio.
Cameron Green offered a prolonged resistance with a laboured 36 off 31 balls, but his dismissal left the lower order with too much to do.
A late, spirited cameo from number nine batter Xavier Bartlett (34 off 25)* provided some respectability to the total, but the target proved insurmountable.
The run-outs of Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen further highlighted Australia’s scrambled and pressured state throughout the chase.
Series Context and Looking Ahead
Earlier, Pakistan posted a modest total of 168 after choosing to bat first in the opening T20I against Australia.
Abrar strikes & 8 down! Josh Philippe miscues the shot & caught at deep mid-wicket 👏🏻
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/M4vHYu1CPg
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 29, 2026
Explosive start, middle-order stumble
Openers Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha provided a blazing start after an early setback.
Ayub smashed 40 off just 22 balls, while Agha scored a brisk 39 from 27 deliveries, propelling Pakistan to 74 for 2 in the 8th over.
Babar Azam contributed a steady 24, but the middle order couldn’t maintain the explosive tempo.
A cluster of wickets in the final five overs, where Pakistan scored only 34 runs for the loss of four wickets, curtailed a potentially larger total.
Mohammad Nawaz remained not out on 14, providing a late push.
Zampa weaves spin web
Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the chief destroyer for the visitors, delivering a masterful spell of 4 for 24 in his four overs.
He accounted for key batters Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Babar Azam (lbw), and Usman Khan to cripple Pakistan’s batting backbone.
Pacers Xavier Bartlett (2 for 26) and Mahli Beardman (2 for 32) provided crucial strikes at the start and death, respectively, ensuring Pakistan didn’t run away with the game.
This victory gives Pakistan early momentum in their final preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
For Australia, the defeat exposes batting frailties they will need to address quickly before the second T20I.
The two sides will meet again at the same venue on Saturday, where Australia will aim to level the series.
