Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 international of the three-match series, taking a 1–0 lead.
The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first.
Pakistan posted 168 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the top scorer with 40 runs.
In reply, Australia managed 146 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs.
Pakistan did not get off to an ideal start, losing Sahibzada Farhan for a duck on the very first ball of the match.
After the early setback, Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with responsible batting and some attractive shots. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 40 when the total reached 74.
Salman Ali Agha scored 39, Babar Azam made 24, Fakhar Zaman 10, Usman Khan 18, Shadab Khan 1, while Shaheen Afridi was out for a duck. Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 15.
Australia’s Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 24 runs, while Bartlett and Beardman claimed two wickets each.
Chasing a target of 169, Australia were unable to build momentum and finished on 146 for eight in their 20 overs.
Cameron Green scored 36 runs, while Bartlett contributed 34.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket apiece.
With this win, Pakistan now leads the three-match T20 series 1–0.
