Pakistan started the Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 with a confident win in the first T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Batting first, Pakistan scored 168 for 8 and then restricted Australia to 146 for 8 to seal a 22 run victory.
Saim Ayub was the standout performer and was named Player of the Match.
Match summary
| Match | Pakistan vs Australia, 1st T20I |
|---|---|
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Toss | Pakistan won the toss and bat |
| Pakistan score | 168 for 8 in 20 overs |
| Australia score | 146 for 8 in 20 overs |
| Result | Pakistan won by 22 runs |
| Player of the Match | Saim Ayub |
Pakistan innings 168 for 8 in 20 overs
Pakistan had a poor start as Sahibzada Farhan was out for zero on the first ball. After that, Saim Ayub played an attacking knock and put pressure on the Australian bowlers. He scored 40 runs from 22 balls with three fours and two sixes.
Salman Agha played a key role in the middle order. The Pakistan captain scored 39 runs from 27 balls, hitting four sixes. Babar Azam added 24 runs from 20 balls and helped steady the innings.
Usman Khan scored 18 from 14 balls before getting out. Mohammad Nawaz stayed not out on 15 off 14 balls and finished the innings well. Pakistan added 17 extras and ended with a total of 168 for 8.
Adam Zampa was the best bowler for Australia. He picked up 4 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs. Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beardman took two wickets each.
Australia innings 146 for 8 in 20 overs
Australia lost early wickets while chasing 169. Matthew Short was dismissed for 5, and Travis Head scored a quick 23 from 13 balls before getting out. Saim Ayub took both opening wickets.
Cameron Green tried to build the chase with 36 runs from 31 balls, but he did not get enough support. Matt Renshaw scored 15, while Josh Philippe added 12 runs.
Abrar Ahmed changed the game with his tight bowling. He took 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 4 overs. Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket, and Shadab Khan removed Jack Edwards.
Xavier Bartlett remained not out on 34 from 25 balls, but the target was too big. Australia finished on 146 for 8, falling short by 22 runs.
