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Pakistan Take an early 1-0 lead Three-match T20I series against Australia Confidence of a 22nd consecutive victory came at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. Collective batting and disciplined bowling ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line despite some late resistance from Australia’s lower-ranked side.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 168 for 8, a total that proved to be out of reach for the visitors who had a field that provided help to the spinners.
Syed Ayub and Salman Agha set the stage for Pakistan’s victory
Pakistan’s innings was built on positive contributions from the top order. Saim Ayub continued his strong form with a knock of 40 off 22 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes to put pressure on Australia in the powerplay. After Sahibzada Farhan’s early dismissal, Ayub combined effectively with skipper Salman Agha, who scored a cautious but impactful 39 off 27 deliveries.
Former skipper Babar Azam added 24 off 20 balls and added stability in the middle order, helping Pakistan maintain momentum when wickets fell at regular intervals.
Australia’s equalizer in mid-off was largely due to leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who struck 4 for 24. His wickets of Ayub, Salman Agha, Babar Azam and Usman Khan briefly stopped Pakistan from scoring.
However, Mohammad Nawaz’s unbeaten 15-run knock and late winning runs ensured Pakistan crossed the 165-run mark. this Home team 8 games total 168 Given the nature of the pitch and the intensity of their bowling attack, it looked defensible.
Australia loses early wickets in chase
Australia struggled to gain early momentum as they chased 169 runs. Stand-in captain Travis Head showed short-lived intent in his 23 off 13 balls, but his dismissal triggered a sustained decline in wickets. Opener Matthew Short was dismissed cheaply while debutant Matthew Renshaw was dropped after a promising start.
Middle-order batsmen Cameron Green and Josh Philippe tried to steady the innings, but the required batting average kept creeping up as Pakistan spin tightened the screws.
Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Abrar Ahmed, who ended the match with an impressive figure of 2 for 10 in four overs. His control and variety proved too much for Australia’s middle order, eliminating key batsmen at crucial moments.
Ayub also made an impact with the ball, picking up two wickets in his three-wicket haul, while Shadab Khan and Nawaz provided crucial support to keep Australia in check.
Australia found some hope through Xavier Bartlett, who struck an unbeaten 34 off 25 balls, including three fours and two sixes. His late over took Australia past 140, but the target proved too high.
Australia ended up with 146 for 8, 22 runs behind despite Bartlett’s resistance.
Also read: Here’s why Pakistan vs Australia T20I series won’t be aired in India
