Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive 168 for 8, built around fluent knocks from Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha.
After losing Sahibzada Farhan off the first ball, Saim counterattacked with a brisk 40 off 22 balls, striking three fours and two sixes to set the tone.
Salman followed it up with a composed 39 off 27 deliveries, while Babar Azam added stability with 24 off 20.
Despite regular wickets in the middle overs thanks largely to Adam Zampa’s impressive 4 for 24—Pakistan kept the scoreboard moving. Late contributions from Usman Khan (18), Mohammad Nawaz (15 not out) and Salman Mirza (4 not out) helped the hosts reach 168, with extras adding a crucial 17 runs.
In reply, Australia never quite recovered from early losses. Saim struck twice inside the powerplay to remove Matthew Short and skipper Travis Head, denting the visitors’ chase.
Cameron Green fought hard with a 36-ball 36, but lacked support as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Pakistan’s spinners tightened the grip in the middle overs, with Abrar Ahmed returning excellent figures of 2 for 10 and Mohammad Nawaz chipping in with a key wicket.
Shadab Khan also claimed one as Australia slipped behind the required rate.
Xavier Bartlett’s unbeaten 34 at the end only reduced the margin of defeat, as Australia finished on 146 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 22 runs.
With this win, Pakistan take a 1–0 lead in the T20I series.
