Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 international at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat and posted 168 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Australia, chasing 169, were restricted to 146 for 8 despite a late fightback.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a poor start as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a first-ball duck.

Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha then steadied the innings with a responsible partnership, taking the score to 74.

Saim top-scored with 40 before being caught off Adam Zampa, while Salman Agha made 39.

Babar Azam contributed 24, Usman Khan 18 and Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 15.

Fakhar Zaman scored 10, while Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi were dismissed cheaply.

For Australia, Adam Zampa led the bowling with four wickets, while Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beardman took two each.

In reply, Australia’s batting struggled early and slipped to 80 for 5. Matthew Short and Travis Head made brief contributions before Saim Ayub struck twice to remove both openers.

Cameron Green attempted to rebuild the innings and top-scored with 36, while Matthew Renshaw was run out after a brief stand. Xavier Bartlett remained unbeaten on 34, but the target proved out of reach.

Pakistan’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed claiming two each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one apiece.

Saim Ayub was the standout performer, delivering an impactful all-round display to set up Pakistan’s series-opening victory.

The match marked a strong start for Pakistan in a series seen as key preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with all three matches scheduled to be played in Lahore.