Zampa’s 4-Fer and Saim Ayub’s "Big Fish" Strike: Australia Wobbles in 169-Run Chase at Lahore
By SportSphere24 Editorial Team | Jan 29, 2026
LAHORE — The opening T20I between Pakistan and Australia has lived up to its billing as a high-stakes World Cup preview. After Adam Zampa dismantled the Pakistani middle order to restrict the hosts to 168/8, Pakistani opener-turned-bowler Saim Ayub flipped the script by removing both Australian openers, including stand-in captain Travis Head.
Live Scorecard: Pakistan vs. Australia (1st T20I)
| Team | Score | Overs | Status |
| Pakistan | 168/8 | 20.0 | Completed |
| Australia | 43/2 | 4.4 | In Progress |
Target: 169 runs | Current RR: 9.21 | Required RR: 8.22
Match Analysis: Spinners Rule the Day
1. The Zampa Stranglehold
Adam Zampa proved why he remains the premier white-ball spinner in the world. On a Lahore track that offered early grip, Zampa finished with clinical figures of 4/33. His most vital scalp was Babar Azam (24 off 20), whom he trapped LBW with a fizzing googly. This marks the fourth time Zampa has dismissed Babar in T20Is, cementing his status as the star batter's "kryptonite."
2. Saim Ayub’s Golden Arm
After providing a blistering start with the bat (40 off 22 balls), Saim Ayub was handed the ball in the powerplay.
3. Debutant Watch: Mahli Beardman
Young WA quick Mahli Beardman enjoyed a dream start to his international career. Entrusted with the final over, Beardman showcased ice-cool nerves to remove Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, ensuring Pakistan didn't cross the 180-mark.
Key Performance Metrics
| Player | Performance | Key Moment |
| Saim Ayub (PAK) | 40 (22) & 2 Wkts | Dismissed Travis Head in 4th Over |
| Adam Zampa (AUS) | 4/33 (4.0) | Outfoxed Babar Azam with a googly |
| Salman Agha (PAK) | 39 (27) | Anchored the innings after early loss |
| Mahli Beardman (AUS) | 2/28 (4.0) | Two wickets in the final over (Debut) |