All-Rounder’s Heroics Seal 22-Run Victory in Lahore
All-rounder Saim Ayub delivered a match-winning performance as Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first Twenty20 international at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series as both teams prepare for the T20 World Cup starting in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.
Ayub top-scored in Pakistan’s T20 win over Australia with a blistering 22-ball 40 that included two sixes and three fours, setting the foundation for Pakistan’s competitive total of 168-8. His contributions didn’t end there—he then dismissed both Australian openers Matthew Short (5) and Travis Head (23) to put the tourists on the back foot early in their chase.
Pakistan’s Batting Display
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan suffered an early setback when paceman Xavier Bartlett dismissed Sahibzada Farhan with the very first ball of the match. However, Ayub and Salman Agha restored stability with a crucial 74-run partnership for the second wicket.
Salman Agha provided valuable support with a quickfire 27-ball 39, smashing four sixes and a four before Australian spinner Adam Zampa applied the brakes. Zampa produced a superb spell, claiming 4-24 to derail Pakistan’s innings. He dismissed both Ayub and Agha in successive overs before accounting for Babar Azam (24) and Usman Khan (18).
Pakistan skipper Agha acknowledged the challenging conditions:
“It was a great game with complete team effort. We started well with the bat but couldn’t finish the way we wanted. It became challenging after the first 10 overs as the ball stopped coming onto the bat, but I think we were outstanding with the ball.”
Australia’s Faltering Chase
Chasing 169 for victory, Australia never got going as Pakistan’s spinners dominated on a wearing surface. Travis Head provided brief resistance with an aggressive 13-ball 23 that included two sixes and two fours, but Ayub removed both him and Short early to leave Australia reeling.
Cameron Green tried to resurrect the chase with a determined 31-ball 36, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. The tourists managed just 146-8 in their 20 overs, succumbing to Pakistan’s spin attack.
Abrar Ahmed was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with economical figures of 2-10, while Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan chipped in with a wicket apiece. The spinners claimed six wickets between them, exploiting conditions that favored turn and grip as the match progressed.
Travis Head, standing in as captain for the rested Mitchell Marsh, admitted his team’s batting struggles: “It was disappointing, but that’s how batting goes sometimes. We felt like we dragged it back well after the first 10 overs but as the ball got softer, it became harder to score.”
Who was the player of the match?
Saim Ayub was the standout performer with both bat and ball, scoring 40 runs off just 22 balls and then dismissing both Australian openers Matthew Short and Travis Head to earn player of the match honors.
What was the margin of victory?
Pakistan won by 22 runs, posting 168-8 and restricting Australia to 146-8 in their 20 overs at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 2026.
Who was Australia’s top scorer?
Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with 36 runs off 31 balls, but his effort wasn’t enough to prevent defeat as wickets fell regularly around him.
Which Pakistani bowler took the most wickets?
Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 2-10 from his four overs, showcasing exceptional control and accuracy on a spin-friendly surface.
When is the next match in the series?
The second T20I will be played on Saturday, February 1, 2026, as Pakistan look to seal the series victory before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7.
World Cup Preparations
Both teams are using this series as final preparation for the T20 World Cup, which begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7. Pakistan will be encouraged by their performance, particularly the effectiveness of their spin attack on home conditions similar to what they might encounter during the tournament.
Australia rested regular captain Mitchell Marsh for this match, with Travis Head leading the side. The tourists will need to reassess their approach to playing spin in subcontinental conditions if they hope to compete effectively at the World Cup.
Pakistan’s victory demonstrates their growing confidence and tactical acumen under Salman Agha’s captaincy. The team’s ability to defend a moderate total through disciplined spin bowling will give them optimism heading into the World Cup, where conditions are expected to favor slower bowlers.
The series continues on Saturday with the second T20I, giving both teams another opportunity to fine-tune their combinations and strategies before the marquee tournament begins. Pakistan will aim to wrap up the series, while Australia will be desperate to level it and restore momentum ahead of the World Cup.
For Saim Ayub, this performance solidifies his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most exciting young talents a genuine all-rounder capable of changing games with both bat and ball. His match-winning contribution in Lahore suggests he could play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign.