![Babar Azam and Adam Zampa [Source: @dubai_152, @Cricsam01/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769767096992_BabarAzamandAdamZampa.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam and Adam Zampa [Source: @dubai_152, @Cricsam01/x]
Australia lost the first T20I of their three-match series against hosts Pakistan by a 22-run margin. However, a depleted Australian team did give a tough time to several senior Pakistan pros like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
Australia spinner Adam Zampa, in particular, picked up four wickets in the game at an expense of just 24 runs which included the prized scalp of Babar Azam.
For dismissing Babar, Zampa was asked a rather needlessly framed question by a Pakistani journalist after the match during the press conference. Visibly controlling his laughter, the spinner gave a rather diplomatic response without undermining his wicket of the legendary Pakistani batter.
Babar Azam wicket a normal routine, Adam Zampa implies
Adam Zampa emerged as a leading figure for Australia in their series-opening first T20I match against Pakistan on Thursday, January 29. Picking up impressive figures of 4-24 in his four overs, the senior Australian spinner enjoyed a good T20I warm-up in Lahore before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Following Australia’s big defeat at the venue, Adam Zampa also took center stage for his side in the post-match press conference. At one stage of the conference, the cricketer was asked to reflect his thoughts for dismissing “Premier Pakistan batter” Babar Azam.
Visibly controlling his laughter, Adam Zampa diplomatically shrugged off his minor achievement by indirectly implying that Babar Azam’s wicket was just another one in his gallery. Zampa, however, did praise the legendary Pakistan batter for being a top-performer for his side for a long time.
Praising Babar, the 33-year-old Australian cricketer said, “He’s been a very good player for long time. First time I got him out, hopefully it’s not the last.”
Babar flops, demoted in batting order after BBL horror
Babar Azam once again failed to come up big for the Pakistan team, this time scoring a sluggish 24 from 20 balls after getting demoted in the batting order against Australia in the first T20I of the series. The cricketer was dismissed by Adam Zampa in the 14th over of the Pakistan innings after he unsuccessfully attempted a reverse sweep.
Earlier this month, Babar also endured a forgettable BBL 2025-26 season for the Sydney Sixers. Playing his maiden BBL, the cricketer aggregated just 202 runs in 11 innings at a below par average of 22.44 and with an underwhelming strike rate of 103.06.
In spite of his repeated struggles with the bat, Babar Azam has been selected in Pakistan squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.
Pakistan in with a chance to secure rare T20I series win vs Australia
Winning the first T20I by 22 runs, the Pakistan team now finds itself on the precipice of securing a rare T20I series win over Australia. The second T20I between the two sides will be hosted by the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 31.
The series also form a testing ground for both sides before the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
