Pakistan opened their three-match T20 series against Australia with a spirited 22-run victory on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead ahead of next month’s World Cup.

Pakistan posted 168 for eight after choosing to bat first. The innings faltered immediately when Sahibzada Farhan chipped a return catch to Xavier Bartlett on the very first ball. Captain Salman Agha and Ayub rebuilt the innings with a lively 74-run partnership that lifted the tempo. Ayub smashed 40 off 22 balls with two fours and three sixes, while Agha added 39 from 27 deliveries.

Adam Zampa halted Pakistan’s charge by removing Ayub and Agha in quick succession. Babar Azam struggled to find rhythm and scored 24 from 20 balls before falling. Fakhar Zaman’s move down the order failed as he managed only 10 runs from 16 balls. Usman Khan and Mohammad attempted to accelerate late in the innings but could not break free, leaving Pakistan short of a final flourish.

Australia’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Zampa finished with four wickets, Bartlett claimed two, and debutant Mahli Beardman also picked up two.

Australia chased 169 but faltered against disciplined bowling. Cameron Green top-scored with 36 from 31 balls, while Bartlett added 34 from 25 lower down the order. Five Australian batters failed to reach double figures, and the visitors closed at 146 for eight.

Saim led Pakistan’s batting with 40 runs and chipped in with two wickets. Abrar bowled a miserly spell, conceding only 10 runs in four overs while taking key wickets. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout, sealing a confident win that sets the tone for the series.