AUS vs PAK T20i: Can Travis Head Power Australia to 169 Chase in Lahore

Australia got off to a brisk start in their chase of 169 runs against Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. Travis Head struck an early boundary to signal intent, helping Australia reach 21 without loss after just 1.4 overs. Matthew Short joined Head at the crease, with the openers looking to build on the aggressive platform as the visitors required 148 more runs off 110 balls at a required rate of 8.07.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a competitive yet below-par total of 168 for 8 after electing to bat first. The innings got off to a disastrous start when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. Saim Ayub (40 off 22) and Salman Agha (39 off 27) then forged a 74-run partnership in quick time, giving the hosts a solid foundation. However, Pakistan lost momentum in the middle overs, with regular wickets preventing them from pushing towards a bigger score. Babar Azam contributed 24 off 20 balls but could not convert his start.

Australia’s bowling attack, led by leg-spinner Adam Zampa, played a key role in restricting the home side. Zampa returned impressive figures of 4 for 24, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order and ensuring the total remained within reach. The visitors’ disciplined performance in the field and their ability to strike at crucial junctures kept Pakistan from capitalising on the early momentum provided by the top order.

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The match has set up an intriguing contest, with Australia needing to maintain their strong start while navigating Pakistan’s potent pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi. Early overs will be critical as the visitors aim to keep the required rate in check and avoid the middle-order collapses that have troubled them in recent T20 outings against Pakistan. The home side, on the other hand, will look to their bowlers to create pressure and break the opening stand to bring the game back into balance.

At the time of writing, Australia was comfortably placed at 21 for 0, with Head (16 off 7) and Short (5 off 3) looking set. The outcome of the chase will depend on how effectively Australia manages the spin-heavy middle overs and Pakistan’s death bowling. The first T20I continues to unfold at Gaddafi Stadium, with both teams vying for an early series advantage in this high-stakes bilateral series.

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