Ayub leads first Pakistan win over Aussies in 7 years: 1st T20 (Lahore)

Pakistan made a winning start to their T20I series against Australia, securing a spirited 22-run victory in the opening match in Lahore.

Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive 168/8, built around a fluent knock from Saim Ayub, who anchored the innings and kept the scoreboard moving through the middle overs. Australia’s bowlers pulled things back late, but Pakistan’s ability to rotate strike and find boundaries at key moments proved crucial on a lively surface.

In reply, Australia showed intent in the chase but struggled to keep pace as wickets fell regularly against disciplined bowling. Despite some resistance in the middle order, Pakistan’s spinners and pace attack tightened the screws during the middle and death overs, preventing any sustained partnerships.

Australia were eventually restricted to 146/8, allowing Pakistan to take a 1–0 lead in the series with a controlled and confident all-round performance led by Ayub.

Pakistan 168 for 8 (Ayub 40, Zampa 4-24, Bartlett 2-26) beat Australia 146 for 8 (Green 36, Bartlett 34*, Abrar 2-10) by 22 runs.

Jan 2026.