PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Pakistan continue World Cup preparations with 22-run win over Australia

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Pakistan made a winning start to their three-match T20I series with Australia as they won by 22 runs in Lahore.

The tourists struggled in their chase of 169, with the spinners thriving in the conditions as both sides prepare for next month's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan chose to bat first but saw opener Sahibzada Farhan caught and bowled by Xavier Bartlett with the very first ball of the match.

Saim Ayub (40 off 22) and Salman Agha (39 off 27) got the hosts back on track before Adam Zampa (4-24) ripped through the Pakistan middle order to restrict them to a score well below 200.

Matthew Short (five) and Travis Head (23 off 13) were both removed in the powerplay, though, as Australia struggled to score against Abrar Ahmed, who conceded just 10 runs and took two wickets from his four overs.

Cameron Green (36 off 31) looked to steady the ship while Bartlett's unbeaten 34 off 25 balls saved Australia from a more embarrassing defeat as they brought up 146-8.

Data Debrief: Pakistan's fortress in Lahore

After nine T20Is without a win against Australia (2,650 days), Pakistan finally got the better of their counterparts.

Pakistan have now won their last seven men's T20Is at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, equalling their longest winning run at a single venue at home in the history of the format (W7 at National Stadium in Karachi from April 2008 to December 2021).