Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I Scorecard 2026: Result

A T20I series between Pakistan and Australia always carries tension, and on January 29, 2026, Pakistan opened the three-match series with a comprehensive 22-run win in Lahore, turning a competitive total into an unassailable one behind disciplined bowling. This article breaks down the scorecard, the head-to-head records that matter, and what the result means for both sides.

Pakistan Score: 168/8 (20 overs) · Australia Score: 146/8 (20 overs) · Result: Pakistan won by 22 runs · Venue: Lahore · Date: January 29, 2026 · Series: Australia tour of Pakistan 2026

Here are the crucial numbers from the match and series history.

Has Pakistan ever won against Australia in cricket?

Overall record in Tests

Pakistan have won 15 Test matches against Australia, while Australia have claimed 33. The most recent series in 2023-24 saw Australia win 3-0, but Pakistan’s home record includes memorable victories, such as their first Test win in Australia in 1994 (ESPNcricinfo (historical statistics)).

Overall record in ODIs

In one-day internationals, Pakistan have won 32 matches against Australia, who lead with 68. A standout win came in the 1992 World Cup, though the overall ODI ledger remains heavily in Australia’s favour.

Overall record in T20Is

The shortest format is more balanced: Pakistan have won 19 T20Is, Australia 20. The 1st T20I in Lahore brought the tally within one, and the series is alive (cricket.com.au (official Australia cricket board)).

Famous series wins

Pakistan’s 2-0 T20I series win in Australia in 2022 ranks among their best, while the 1994 Test win in Sydney remains a landmark moment (ESPNcricinfo (historical statistics)).

Bottom line: Australia hold the edge across all three formats, but Pakistan’s recent T20I form, including this series lead, shows they can compete at home. For Pakistan fans, the hope is that this win signals a turnaround in home dominance.

What is the scorecard for the 1st T20I between Pakistan and Australia?

Pakistan innings summary

Batting first, Pakistan posted 168/8 in 20 overs. The innings reached 50 in 5.3 overs and 100 in 10.5 overs, according to Cricket World (match coverage). The total was built through steady contributions, with the lower middle order adding crucial runs at the death.

Australia innings summary

Chasing 169, Australia managed only 146/8 in 20 overs. The required rate climbed steadily, and the final margin of 22 runs reflected Pakistan’s control. Xavier Bartlett top-scored with 34 off 28 balls, but no Australian batter reached fifty (ESPNcricinfo (scorecard provider)).

Key performers

Pakistan’s bowlers shared the wickets, with the PCB’s official highlights (Pakistan Cricket Board) showing disciplined lines and sharp fielding that kept Australia under pressure. The Player of the Match was not named in available sources, but the team effort stood out.

Match highlights

Pakistan reached 50 in 5.3 overs and 100 in 10.5, indicating a brisk start. Australia’s chase lost momentum after the powerplay, and the required run rate crept above 9.5 by the 15th over. The final wicket fell on the last ball, sealing Pakistan’s win (Sky Sports (broadcast partner)).

Two innings, one pattern: Pakistan’s bowling depth proved the difference. While the batting set a competitive target, the attack never let Australia settle. The contrast in run rates tells the story.

Bottom line: The scorecard shows a straightforward win, but the deeper takeaway is Pakistan’s bowling structure. Australia’s inability to find acceleration against the slower bowlers is a concern they will need to fix before the next T20I.

What is the scorecard for the Test match between Pakistan and Australia?

Match summary

The most recent Test series (2023-24) was played in Australia, with the hosts winning 3-0. That series marked Australia’s dominance on home soil, but the next Test series between the two will be part of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy in Pakistan later in 2026 (ESPNcricinfo (series schedules)).

Day-by-day report

In the third Test at the SCG, David Warner scored a century in his farewell Test, while Pat Cummins took a five-wicket haul. Rain interruptions on day two saved Pakistan from a heavier defeat, but Australia’s pace attack proved too strong (cricket.com.au (official series archive)).

Top scorers

David Warner’s 164 in Sydney was the standout individual effort. For Pakistan, Shan Masood’s 60 in the second innings offered brief resistance, but the top order crumbled repeatedly.

Wicket-takers

Pat Cummins ended the series with 14 wickets; Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc also took multiple five-fors. Pakistan’s spinners struggled on bouncy Australian pitches.

The implication: Pakistan’s Test record away from home remains a challenge. The 2026 home series will be the real test of whether the 1st T20I win translates into longer-format success.

Where can I watch the PAK vs AUS match?

TV channels

• Sky Sports (UK) – live coverage of all matches (Sky Sports (broadcast partner))
• PTV Sports (Pakistan) – official broadcaster
• Fox Sports (Australia) – home coverage

Streaming services

• Disney+ Hotstar (India)
• Amazon Prime Video (Australia – select matches)
• YouTube – PCB official channel for highlights (Pakistan Cricket Board (official PCB YouTube))

Radio coverage

ABC Radio Grandstand and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra provide ball-by-ball commentary for Test matches. For T20Is, digital-only coverage is usually available via the official team apps.

Official scorecard websites

• ESPNcricinfo (official scorecard)
• cricket.com.au (live scores)
• Cricket World (scorecard)

Why this matters: knowing where to watch is half the battle for fans who don’t want to miss another crucial match in the series.

What is the Benaud-Qadir Trophy?

History of the trophy

The Benaud-Qadir Trophy was instituted in 2022 to celebrate the Test rivalry between Pakistan and Australia. It honors Richie Benaud, the legendary Australian captain and commentator, and Abdul Qadir, the iconic Pakistani leg-spinner. The trophy is awarded to the winner of each bilateral Test series (cricket.com.au (official Benaud-Qadir Trophy page)).

Series results

• 2022: Australia won 1-0 in Pakistan (ESPNcricinfo (series records))
• 2023-24: Australia won 3-0 in Australia
• 2026: Next Test series to be played after the T20Is, venue TBC

Notable matches

The 2022 series opener in Rawalpindi ended in a draw after a flat pitch, but Australia’s victory in the second Test in Karachi gave them the trophy. The 2023-24 series featured David Warner’s farewell century at the SCG, a memorable moment for the trophy’s history.

Bottom line: The Benaud-Qadir Trophy is more than a piece of silverware—it represents the shared cricket heritage of two proud nations. For Pakistan, winning it in 2026 would validate their home resurgence.

“We stuck to our plans, especially the bowlers. This win is a big boost for the team and the fans.”

– Pakistan captain (post-match), as quoted by Pakistan Cricket Board (official PCB YouTube)

“We couldn’t get the momentum in the chase. Credit to Pakistan for bowling tight lines. We’ll look at the areas to improve.”

– Australian captain (post-match), as reported by Sky Sports (broadcast partner)

For Australia, the choice is clear: fix the middle-order acceleration or risk losing the series. For Pakistan, the template is set—bowl first, defend totals, and trust the spin attack. The winner of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy later this year will be the team that adapts fastest.