Pakistan Thrashed Australia by 22 Runs to Win the First T20 | SportInsiderly

Cricket nights at Gaddafi Stadium have a special kind of magic, and on January 29, fans witnessed yet another unforgettable chapter. Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I, defending a competitive total of 168 with discipline, heart, and smart cricket. More importantly, the win sent a strong message ahead of the rest of the series — Pakistan are ready, confident, and fearless.

This match wasn’t just about runs and wickets. It was about momentum, belief, and those small moments that turn a good team into a winning one.

A Nervy Start, Then a Steady Recovery

The match began with a shock. On the very first ball, Sahibzada Farhan was sent back for a duck by Xavier Bartlett, instantly silencing the crowd. Moments like these can rattle any batting unit, especially against a side like Australia, known for early breakthroughs.

However, this is where the calm presence of Saim Ayub made the difference.

Partnering with skipper Salman Ali Agha, Ayub steadied the innings. The duo stitched together a crucial 74-run partnership, patiently rebuilding before launching an attack. Ayub played with freedom, while Agha brought intent — a perfect blend.

• Saim Ayub: 39 runs, 4 sixes, 1 boundary

• Salman Ali Agha: 40 off 22 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes

👉 Learn more about Saim Ayub and his rising career
👉 Explore Salman Ali Agha and his leadership journey

Middle-Order Struggles but a Fighting Finish

As momentum built, fans hoped for a big finish. Babar Azam looked comfortable, playing his trademark classy strokes. But just when he seemed set, Adam Zampa struck.

Babar’s 24 off 20 balls reminded everyone why he’s Pakistan’s batting backbone, even though his stay was short.

👉 Read more about Babar Azam

Unfortunately, the middle order couldn’t capitalize fully:

• Fakhar Zaman struggled for rhythm

• Usman Khan showed intent but couldn’t convert

• Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi fell cheaply

It was Mohammad Nawaz, often an unsung hero, who ensured Pakistan crossed a defendable mark. His unbeaten 15 off 14 balls might look small on paper, but it proved vital.

👉 Know more about Mohammad Nawaz

Pakistan ended on 168, a total that felt just enough — provided the bowlers delivered.

Step-by-Step: How Pakistan Defended 168 Successfully

Defending a total against Australia requires clarity and courage. Pakistan followed a simple but effective plan:

Step 1: Early Pressure

The new ball bowlers kept things tight, forcing Australian batters into risky shots.

Step 2: Smart Spin Usage

The introduction of spin in the middle overs slowed the scoring rate.

Step 3: Sharp Fielding

Two crucial run-outs — Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen — completely shifted momentum.

Step 4: Hold Nerves at the Death

Despite late hitting, Pakistan never lost control.

Australia’s Chase: Brief Resistance, Then Collapse

Australia’s reply never really took off. While Travis Head played a quick cameo and Cameron Green fought hard, the rest of the lineup failed to support them.

• Cameron Green: 36 off 31 balls

• Travis Head: 23 off 13 balls

👉 Profile of Cameron Green
👉 About Travis Head

Run-outs hurt Australia badly, breaking rhythm and confidence. Even Xavier Bartlett’s late fireworks (34* off 25 balls) were too little, too late.

Saim Ayub: The Match Changer

If one player defined this match, it was Saim Ayub.

He contributed with the bat and delivered with the ball, finishing with two crucial wickets. Performances like these turn promising players into match-winners.

Supporting him were:

• Abrar Ahmed – 2 wickets

• Shadab Khan – 1 wicket

• Mohammad Nawaz – 1 wicket

👉 Discover Abrar Ahmed
👉 Learn about Shadab Khan

Why This Win Matters for Pakistan

This victory is more than just a 22-run win:

• It boosts confidence ahead of the remaining T20Is

• It proves Pakistan can defend totals under pressure

• It highlights bench strength and balance

For fans, it was a reminder of why Pakistan cricket is so exciting — unpredictable, emotional, and thrilling until the last over.

Why SportInsiderly Is Your Go-To Cricket Companion

If matches like this excite you, SportInsiderly is where your passion belongs.

With in-depth match analysis, player insights, and expert predictions, SportInsiderly helps fans understand the game beyond the scoreboard. Whether you’re following Pakistan vs Australia T20Is, tracking player form, or planning fantasy picks, having the right cricket insights gives you confidence.

👉 Stay updated with Pakistan national cricket team
👉 Follow Australia national cricket team

Smart fans don’t just watch cricket — they understand it. That’s exactly what SportInsiderly offers.

SportInsiderly Thoughts

The first T20I win by Pakistan was a complete team effort — calm batting, clever bowling, and alert fielding. As the series unfolds, one thing is certain: this contest is only getting more exciting.

For cricket lovers who want trusted analysis, real insights, and match-winning perspectives, now is the perfect time to stay connected with SportInsiderly — because every run, every wicket, and every moment matters.

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