Pakistan spin web bamboozles Australia in one-sided T20I series opener at Lahore

Pakistan beat Australia in 1st T20I. [Source - AFP]

Pakistan crushed Australia by a runs in the first T20I on Thursday, January 29, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series contest. A ruthless performance from the Pakistani spinners laid the foundation for the hosts’ dominance, as Pakistan registered a comprehensive victory at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

Here, we take a look at the complete highlights of the opening T20I between Pakistan and Australia, as it unfolded on Thursday, January 29, in Lahore.

Pakistan recover from early loss before Zampa turns the tide

After electing to bat first Pakistan had a horrible start with their proceedings as Sahibzada Farhan, their leading T20I run-getter since last year, fell on the very first ball. Xavier Bartlett struck early, setting the tone and leaving the hosts under pressure right from the start.

Saim Ayub and Salman Agha then calmed things down with a sensible partnership. They had a watchful start, followed it up with some brisk scoring, finding the gaps and kept the scoreboard moving, taking Pakistan to a decent 56 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.

The pair looked dangerous after the powerplay, but Australia hit back the moment Adam Zampa was introduced. The leg-spinner struck twice in quick succession, halting Pakistan’s momentum. His smart variations and tight control forced mistakes and swung the game back Australia’s way at the halfway mark.

Babar Azam’s tough stay as Zampa’s four-fer drains Pakistan’s momentum

Babar Azam, batting at number four, had the task of keeping the innings moving after the start Pakistan endured but never quite found his rhythm. He was eventually trapped lbw by Zampa. Fakhar Zaman also looked short of timing, having an unusually scratchy stay in the middle.

Pakistan never quite recovered from that break in momentum and failed to push on to what looked like a 180-plus total at the halfway mark. Australia were outstanding at the death, restricting the hosts to 168 and conceding just 26 runs in the last four overs. Zampa led the attack with four wickets, well supported by Bartlett and young Mahli Beardman, who claimed two each.

Abrar spearheads Pakistan’s spin strangle; Australia falter in the chase

Chasing 169, Australia started aggressively with Travis Head leading the charge. However, Saim Ayub struck back brilliantly, removing both openers early inside the powerplay. Despite the early blows, Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw steadied the chase, guiding Australia to 57 at the end of six overs without further damage.

After the powerplay, Australia were looking to take on the spinners. However, the introduction of Abrar Ahmed changed everything as he struck twice in his first three balls, dismissing Renshaw and Cooper Connolly. Green tried to hold one end but fell to Mohammad Nawaz, pushing Australia firmly on the back foot.

Pakistan’s spinners then tightened the grip, never allowing Australia to recover. Xavier Bartlett showed fight with a late cameo, but the target proved too much. Abrar was outstanding, conceding just 10 runs in four overs. Pakistan sealed a 22-run victory in the series opener, with Saim Ayub’s early two strikes also proving decisive.