SPORTS DESK: Pakistan had given Australia a target of 169 runs in the first T20 match of a three match series after making 168 out of eight in their 20 overs at the Gaddafi stadium on Tuesday.
Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan Captain, won the toss, but the hosts suffered a wobbly start since the opening opener, Sahibzada Farhan was sacked in the very first ball of the innings. Pakistan rebalanced itself as composed partnership of Saim Ayub and Agha who restored the innings with prudent stroke play as well as moderated aggression.
Saim Ayub had the highest score of 40, and it gave him the impetus before he fell with the overall result of 74. Agha was close behind and made a valuable contribution of 39. Babar Azam, a former captain contributed 24 and Fakhar Zaman was not fluent and contributed 10. Usman Khan, who had an 18, and Mohammad Nawaz, who had not been beaten, were resisting late.
The lower order in Pakistan did not make use of the death overs with Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi being thrown out at very low costs.
Adam Zampa was the leader in the bowling of Australia and took four wickets at the expense of 24 runs. Bartlett, and Beardman, joined in with two apiece.
In the first match of the series, Australia, under the leadership of Travis Head gave debut to Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards and Matthew Renshaw.
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