‌AI Simulation, PAK vs AUS | Pakistan hold their nerve in Lahore to take 1-0 lead as Afridi leads defence

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As per AI simulation, Pakistan will edge out Australia by six runs in the opening T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29. A composed innings from Babar Azam lifted the hosts to a competitive total before Shaheen Afridi’s decisive spell at the death sealed a narrow win under lights.

Pitch and Weather

Gaddafi Stadium offered a typically flat T20 surface with consistent bounce and quick outfield value. The new ball carried well for fast bowlers early on, but conditions eased significantly once the ball softened. Batting became more comfortable through the middle overs, while spinners found limited grip.

The weather remained clear throughout the evening, with mild winter temperatures making conditions ideal for cricket. Dew began to settle in during the second innings, slightly reducing grip for bowlers and aiding stroke play late in the chase.

Toss

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, backing their chasing depth and anticipating assistance from dew later in the evening.

Lineups

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

Australia: Matt Short, Travis Head (c), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Josh Philippe (wk), Mitchell Owen, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman

Match Report

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Pakistan made a steady start despite losing early momentum in the powerplay. Sahibzada Farhan found early boundaries while Saim Ayub played more conservatively, allowing Australia’s new-ball bowlers to keep things tight. The opening stand was broken when Bartlett removed Ayub, followed soon after by Farhan’s dismissal as Pakistan slipped to a cautious start rather than a rapid one.

Babar Azam then took control of the innings with a measured approach. He rotated strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, ensuring Pakistan did not lose direction through the middle overs. Fakhar Zaman briefly injected pace with a quick cameo, but it was Salman Agha’s support that allowed Babar to anchor the innings. Adam Zampa slowed scoring with a disciplined spell, removing both Fakhar and Agha to keep Australia in the contest.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan finished strongly. Late contributions from Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, combined with a healthy extras count, lifted the hosts to 171 for seven – a total that looked defendable but far from safe.

Australia’s chase began with intent as Matt Short and Travis Head attacked the powerplay. Head, in particular, looked in control, finding boundaries square of the wicket and bringing up a brisk start. However, Pakistan struck back through pace, with Naseem Shah removing Short before Abrar Ahmed applied pressure in the middle overs.

Head continued to anchor the innings, supported by Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green, but the lack of a sustained partnership began to tell. Shaheen Afridi returned at the death and turned the game with a sharp spell, dismissing Head at a crucial moment before removing Green and Philippe in quick succession.

With the required rate climbing, Australia’s lower order struggled to keep pace despite a brief late push. Pakistan held their composure in the final overs, conceding singles but denying boundaries. Australia closed on 165 for nine, falling just short of the target.

Player of the Match

Shaheen Afridi was named Player of the Match for his decisive late spell, finishing with three wickets and breaking Australia’s momentum in the closing overs to secure a tight win for Pakistan.

Scorecard

AI Simulation, PAK vs AUS | Pakistan hold their nerve in Lahore as Afridi leads defence pic.twitter.com/gyscyGS3A1
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