Pakistan opened the series with a convincing win. They felt they under-used their batting, slipping to 168 for 8 after being 74 for 2, but their spinners choked the Australian innings and held the visitors to 146. Saim Ayub’s 40 off 22 balls stood out, and Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam provide plenty of options at the top, with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz finishing. Shaheen Afridi and Ayub share the new ball before Abrar Ahmed, Nawaz and Shadab take over.
Australia were not far behind in game one even with three debutants. Their bowlers kept Pakistan in check in the middle overs, but the batters struggled to adjust to a slower surface. Travis Head hit 23 off 13, Cameron Green made 36 off 31, and Xavier Bartlett took 2 for 26. Adam Zampa and Mahli Beardman shared six wickets between them.
Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis were rested for the opener and could return, adding experience alongside Josh Philippe and the BBL-proven Matthew Short and Mitch Owen. If Australia handle the spin in the middle overs, they have the firepower to level the series.
