Pakistan Ends Seven-Year T20 Drought with Win Over Australia in Lahore
Lahore, Pakistan — The Pakistan national cricket team produced a thrilling performance to defeat Australia in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, 2026. This 22-run victory marks Pakistan’s first T20I win over Australia in more than seven years, a momentous achievement for the Men in Green ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup this February.
Match Highlights
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a competitive total of 168 for 8 in their 20 overs. Middle-order all-rounder **Saim Ayub starred with a fiery 40 off 22 balls, forming a vital 74-run partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha (39) to stabilize the innings after an early setback.
In response, the Australian side managed 146 for 8 but couldn’t quite close the gap. A disciplined Pakistan bowling attack, especially its spinners, restricted the visitors throughout the innings. Pakistan spinners — including Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz — shared crucial wickets, frustrating Australia’s chase.
The victory gives Pakistan a 1–0 lead in this T20I series as both teams use the tour as critical preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Key Performers
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Saim Ayub — Top-scored with 40 runs and also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, earning Player of the Match honors.
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Salman Ali Agha — Anchored the innings with 39 valuable runs.
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Pakistan Spinners — Collective bowling effort ensured Australia stayed under pressure throughout their chase.
For Australia, Cameron Green (36) and Xavier Bartlett (34)* offered resistance, but a lack of momentum and Pakistan’s effective spin strategy ultimately proved decisive.
What It Means
This win ends a long wait for Pakistan fans, as the team had previously struggled in T20Is against Australia since their last success in 2018. It is a morale-boosting performance at a critical time with the T20 World Cup just weeks away.
The second T20I of the series is scheduled to take place later this weekend at the same venue, where Pakistan will look to consolidate its advantage.
