Lahore, Jan. 29 -- Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. Saim Ayub shone with both bat and ball for the hosts, while captain Salman Agha and Abrar Ahmed also contributed to the team's win in the series opener.

With the win, the Salman Agha-led team take the 1-0 lead.

Batting first, Pakistan scored 168/8 in 20 overs with the help of Ayub's 40-run innings and Agha's 39.

Chasing 169, Australia started the proceedings with an aggressive intent but quickly unravelled against Pakistan's disciplined spin attack. While Travis Head provided a brisk start with 23 off 13 balls, he fell to the spin of Saim Ayub (2/29 in 3 overs), who proved to be a surprise weapo...