Saim Ayub delivered an all-round performance as Pakistan secured a 22-run win over Australia in the first T20I in Lahore on Thursday.
Ayub top-scored with a rapid 40 off 22 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours. Salman Agha added a brisk 39 from 27 balls, including four sixes. Pakistan posted 168 for eight after choosing to bat. The pitch later assisted spin, which proved decisive.
Australia finished on 146 for eight in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s spinners claimed six wickets and controlled the middle overs.
Ayub struck early with the ball. He removed openers Matthew Short for five and Travis Head, who scored 23 off 13 balls. Cameron Green fought back with a 36 off 31 deliveries. Australia, however, struggled as the ball softened.
Abrar Ahmed returned figures of two for 10. Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan took one wicket each.
Spinners shine with a disciplined show 💫
Pakistan secure a comfortable 22-run win over Australia in the first T20I 👏#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/gJYudwmvm6
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 29, 2026Pakistan captain Salman Agha praised the collective effort. He said the team started well but found batting tougher after the first 10 overs. He added that the bowling display made the difference.
Australia captain Travis Head, who led the side in place of Mitchell Marsh, expressed frustration. He said scoring became difficult as the pitch slowed and the ball stopped coming on.
Pakistan lost an early wicket when Xavier Bartlett dismissed Sahibzada Farhan with the first ball.
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, 2026Ayub and Agha then steadied the innings with a 74-run stand for the second wicket. Australia pulled things back through Adam Zampa, who took four for 24.
Zampa removed Ayub and Agha in successive overs. He later dismissed Babar Azam for 24 and Usman Khan for 18. Both teams are using the series to prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7. Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series after a strong showing in Lahore.
