Pakistan began the three-match T20I series with a confident 22-run win over Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, thanks to a brilliant all-round show by Saim Ayub.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 168/8 in their 20 overs. The innings got off to a poor start when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed without scoring.

After the early setback, Saim Ayub and Captain Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a solid 74-run stand for the second wicket. Ayub played aggressively and kept the scoreboard moving.

Adam Zampa broke the partnership by dismissing Ayub, who top-scored for Pakistan with a quick 40 off 22 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.

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Agha then added brief runs with Babar Azam before getting out for 39 off 27 balls. Babar and Fakhar Zaman later built a cautious partnership, adding 37 runs.

Pakistan lost momentum towards the end as wickets fell in quick succession. Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan departed cheaply, while Mohammad Nawaz added a valuable, unbeaten 15 late in the innings.

For Australia, Adam Zampa led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 4/24. Xavier Bartlett and debutant Mahli Beardman picked up two wickets each.

Chasing 169, Australia made a lively start but failed to build partnerships. Saim Ayub struck early by removing Matthew Short and followed it up by dismissing Travis Head in his next over.

After the twin blows, Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw tried to stabilise the chase, but Renshaw was run out, triggering a batting collapse.

Australia kept losing wickets and slipped to 112/8 by the 16th over. Cameron Green was the top-scorer with a careful 36 off 31 balls.

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Xavier Bartlett fought hard with an unbeaten 34 down the order, but the target proved too big. Australia finished on 146/8 in 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one apiece.