The Pakistan national cricket team vs Australian men’s cricket team match scorecard from the first T20I clearly reflects Pakistan’s all-round dominance as the hosts defeated Australia by 22 runs in the opening match of the three-game series at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
In front of a packed Lahore crowd, Pakistan delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball. While Saim Ayub starred with a crucial knock and two wickets, Abrar Ahmed’s control in the middle overs proved decisive as Australia were restricted to 146/8 in 20 overs, falling short of the 169-run target.
Match Overview
- Match: Pakistan vs Australia, 1st T20I
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Result: Pakistan won by 22 runs
- Series Status: Pakistan lead 1-0
- Player of the Match: Saim Ayub
Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I – Full Scorecard
Pakistan Innings – 168/8 (20 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 21 | 18 | 3 | 0 |
| Saim Ayub | 41 | 30 | 5 | 1 |
| Babar Azam | 29 | 22 | 4 | 0 |
| Salman Agha (c) | 18 | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 17 | 12 | 2 | 0 |
| Usman Khan (wk) | 14 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Shadab Khan | 12 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Shaheen Afridi* | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Bowling (Australia):
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Zampa | 4 | 28 | 4 |
| Xavier Bartlett | 4 | 33 | 2 |
| Cameron Green | 3 | 22 | 1 |
| Jack Edwards | 3 | 24 | 1 |
Australia Innings – 146/8 (20 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Head (c) | 25 | 17 | 3 | 1 |
| Matthew Short | 19 | 14 | 2 | 1 |
| Cameron Green | 38 | 32 | 4 | 1 |
| Matt Renshaw | 15 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Cooper Connolly | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Mitchell Owen | 14 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Josh Philippe (wk) | 16 | 12 | 2 | 0 |
| Jack Edwards | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Adam Zampa* | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling (Pakistan):
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 26 | 2 |
| Saim Ayub | 3 | 18 | 2 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 4 | 29 | 1 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 31 | 1 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 34 | 0 |
How the Match Unfolded
Pakistan’s Batting: Saim Ayub Sets the Tone
After winning the toss, Salman Agha opted to bat first, a decision that looked risky early but paid off in the end. Saim Ayub’s fluent 41 at the top ensured Pakistan maintained momentum despite Adam Zampa’s exceptional four-wicket spell, which kept Australia in the contest.
Babar Azam and Salman Agha added stability in the middle, while late cameos helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 168/8.
Australia’s Chase: Runouts and Spin Turn the Game
Australia began positively, but the turning point came in the middle overs. Two crucial runouts — first Matt Renshaw, then Mitchell Owen — completely shifted momentum.
The introduction of Abrar Ahmed choked the scoring rate, while Saim Ayub surprised Australia with his off-spin, removing dangerous batters including Travis Head.
Despite Cameron Green’s resistance, wickets at regular intervals meant Australia never truly threatened the target.
Tactical Brilliance from Pakistan
Pakistan’s bowling strategy stood out, especially the way Abrar Ahmed controlled the middle overs. The pressure created by Pakistan’s spinners forced mistakes, resulting in soft dismissals and runouts.
Fielding was another highlight, with Babar Azam taking multiple sharp catches, showcasing Pakistan’s improved intensity ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Australia Missing Key Players
The Australian squad lacked several senior players, including Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis, all ruled out due to fitness concerns. Their absence was felt, particularly in the middle order, where Australia struggled against spin.
What This Win Means for Pakistan
This victory gives Pakistan a crucial 1-0 lead in the series and boosts confidence ahead of major ICC tournaments. Performances from young players like Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed highlight Pakistan’s growing bench strength.
What’s Next?
The second T20I will be played on Saturday, where Australia will look to bounce back, while Pakistan will aim to seal the series early.
conclusion
The Pakistan national cricket team vs Australian men’s cricket team match scorecard tells the story of a well-earned Pakistani victory built on discipline, smart tactics, and standout individual performances. Lahore witnessed a thrilling contest, and the series promises even more excitement ahead.