Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage for a competitive contest. The home side posted a total of 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Saeem Ayub was the star with the bat, scoring a composed 40 runs, anchoring the innings while playing some elegant strokes.

The Pakistani innings began shakily as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed on the very first delivery without scoring. However, Saeem Ayub and Salman Ali Agha steadied the ship, building a crucial partnership. Ayub fell for 40 when the score reached 74, and Agha contributed a patient 39. Babar Azam added 24, Osman Khan 18, and other contributions came from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz, the latter finishing unbeaten on 15.

Australia’s Adam Zampa shone with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Mahele Behrend and Barlett took 2 wickets each, keeping Pakistan’s scoring in check.

Chasing 169, Australia struggled to match the required tempo. They managed 146 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Cameron Green top scored with 36, while Barlett added 34 runs. Pakistan bowlers shared the spoils with Saeem Ayub and Abrar Ahmed taking 2 wickets each, and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz chipping in with one wicket apiece.

With this win, Pakistan takes the lead in the series. Australian captain Travis Head led a team featuring three debutants Mahele Behrend, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw, but the newcomers could not make a decisive impact.

Pakistan’s playing XI included Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Osman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed. The series promises more excitement as both sides look to gain an upper hand in the remaining matches.