Saim Ayub leads Pakistan to thrilling victory against Australia in T20I opener
Pakistan went 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series after beating Australia by 22 runs at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. A strong team batting effort and tight bowling helped Pakistan secure the win, even though Australia’s lower order fought back late.
What happened after the toss?
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat and scored 168 for 8. The pitch supported spin bowling, making the target difficult for the visitors.
Saim Ayub and Salman Agha laid a solid base for Pakistan. Ayub stayed in good form, scoring a quick 40 from 22 balls with three fours and two sixes. After Sahibzada Farhan was out early, Ayub built a useful partnership with captain Salman Agha, who made 39 runs off 27 balls.
Babar Azam added calm in the middle overs with 24 from 20 balls, helping the team keep the score moving despite regular wickets. Australia pulled things back in the middle overs through Adam Zampa, who took 4 wickets for 24 runs. He removed Ayub, Salman Agha, Babar Azam, and Usman Khan, slowing Pakistan’s progress.
Still, Mohammad Nawaz stayed unbeaten on 15, and some late runs helped Pakistan go past 165. Their final total of 168 for 8 looked enough considering the pitch and their bowling strength.
How was the chase by Australia?
In reply, Australia lost wickets early while chasing 169. Stand-in captain Travis Head scored a quick 23 off 13 balls before getting out. Matthew Short was dismissed cheaply, and debutant Matthew Renshaw was run out after a decent start.
Cameron Green and Josh Philippe tried to rebuild, but the run rate kept rising as Pakistan’s spinners controlled the game.
Abrar Ahmed led Pakistan’s bowling with excellent figures of 2 for 10 in four overs. Ayub also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, while Shadab Khan and Nawaz bowled well to keep Australia under pressure.
Xavier Bartlett gave Australia some hope with an unbeaten 34 off 25 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. However, it was not enough, as Australia finished on 146 for 8, losing the match by 22 runs.