LAHORE: Pakistan thrashed Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 of the 3-match series to take a 0-1 lead in three match series.
In the match played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan scored 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the outstanding batsman with 40 runs. In reply, the Australian team could score 146 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated overs.
Pakistan innings
Pakistan did not start well against Australia; Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for zero on the very first ball of the match.
After the fall of one wicket, Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha batted responsibly and played some attractive shots. However, Saim Ayub was dismissed for 40 runs on a total score of 74. After this, Salman Ali Agha 39, Babar Azam 24, Fakhar Zaman 10, Usman Khan 18, Shadab one and Shaheen were dismissed for zero.
Mohammad Nawaz was not out with 15 runs. Thus, Pakistan scored 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Australia’s Adam Zampa took four wickets for 24 runs, while Bartlett and Beardman took two wickets each.
Australia’s innings
In response to Pakistan’s target of 169 runs, the Australian team could not play very openly and could only score 146 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Cameron Green scored 36 and Bartlett scored 34 runs for Australia.
Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took 2 wickets each for Pakistan. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each. The Green Shirts have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. It should be noted that the Australian team was led by Travis Head, while 3 players made their debuts, including Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.
Pakistan’s playing XI included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
Read also: Pakistan sets 169 runs target against Australia in first T20 match
