Pakistan Ends 8-Year T20I Win Drought vs Australia

Pakistan secured their first Twenty20 international victory over Australia in nearly eight years, defeating a depleted Australian side by 22 runs in the opening match of a three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.

Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan posted 168 for eight in their 20 overs, powered by a brisk second-wicket partnership of 73 between Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha. Ayub top-scored with 40 off 28 balls, while Agha made 39 off 26. Babar Azam contributed 24 before falling leg before wicket to a review. Australia's bowlers struck early when Xavier Bartlett claimed Sahibzada Farhan caught and bowled off the first ball of the innings, but the spinners then took control. Adam Zampa, Australia's leading T20I wicket-taker, delivered a standout spell of four for 24, dismissing all four of Pakistan's top scorers by tempting Ayub, Agha, Azam, and Usman Khan to lofted catches.

In reply, Australia managed only 146 for eight, with their middle order strangled by Pakistan's spin attack. Stand-in captain Travis Head provided an aggressive start, scoring 23 off 13 balls with two sixes, but Ayub removed both openers, bowling Matt Short for five and...