Pakistan Triumphs Over Australia in T20 International
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) – In an impressive showing that marked their first victory over Australia in Twenty20 Internationals in eight years, Pakistan defeated the visitors by 22 runs in the opening match of a three-game series. This match, held at the Gaddafi Stadium, was significant as it took place just a week prior to the T20 World Cup, setting the stage for both teams in the lead-up to the tournament.
Bowling Brilliance
Pakistan’s bowling attack, particularly their spin quartet of Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, proved highly effective, combining for six wickets and limiting Australia to a score of 146 for 8 in response to Pakistan’s 168 for 8.
Ahmed shone with the ball, achieving remarkable figures of 2 for 10 in four overs. Meanwhile, Ayub took two important wickets, including that of Travis Head, who managed to score 23 runs off just 13 balls before being dismissed.
“It was a fantastic match,” commented Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha. “I believed a score of 170 would suffice on this track as our spin attack is superb.”
Australia’s Struggles
Australia, fielding a weakened side due to the absence of five players key to their World Cup squad—including their captain Mitchell Marsh—brought in debutants Matt Renshaw, Jack Edwards, and Mahli Beardman. Despite an early hiccup, where Australia found themselves at 51 for 2 after the powerplay, the innings faltered. Renshaw’s attempt to take a sharp single led to his run-out, and shortly after, Cooper Connolly was bowled by Ahmed.
Cameron Green emerged as Australia’s top scorer with a valiant 36 runs, while Xavier Bartlett contributed an unbeaten 34 to slightly close the gap in the final margin.
“It was frustrating, but that is the nature of cricket sometimes,” reflected Head. “We thought we had a good opportunity after the first ten overs, but the conditions were challenging.”
Pakistan’s Batting Performance
Pakistan had earlier made a strong start in their batting innings, with Ayub scoring 40 and Agha recording 39 runs as they put up a solid second-wicket partnership of 74 runs off 43 balls. However, Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa played a critical role in stifling Pakistan’s innings, capturing four wickets for 24 runs, including both openers in his first two overs. Zampa’s dismissals effectively turned the tide despite Babar Azam‘s attempts to anchor the innings with a cautious 20 runs off 24 balls; he eventually fell to Zampa attempting a reverse sweep.
Looking Ahead
The T20 series will continue this weekend with the next two matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Lahore, as both teams prepare for the World Cup.
—AP Cricket
