Rauf and Ayub Star: Pakistan Thrashes Australia By 9 Wickets

Pakistan Dominates Australia in First T20I

Pakistan's emphatic nine-wicket victory over Australia in the opening T20I of the three-match series in Lahore on Tuesday night was in large part due to impressive performances from Haris Rauf and Shan Masood. Rauf took three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs, while Masood smashed an unbeaten 65 off 40 balls to guide Pakistan to an easy victory with 11 balls to spare.

Despite losing the toss and being put into bat first, Australia got off to a solid start, with openers David Warner and Aaron Finch putting on 43 runs for the first wicket. However, the introduction of Rauf into the attack proved to be a game-changer for Pakistan. The right-arm pacer struck twice in his first over, removing both Warner and Finch, and then returned to dismiss Mitchell Marsh in his third over to leave Australia reeling at 45/3.

Australia never really recovered from Rauf's early strikes, and they were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. Marcus Stoinis top-scored for the visitors with 38, while Matthew Wade contributed 26. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr. took two wickets each.

Chasing 163 for victory, Pakistan got off to a slow start, losing skipper Babar Azam for just 4 in the third over. However, Masood and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Rizwan was eventually dismissed for 39, but Masood continued to anchor the Pakistan innings, hitting 10 fours and a six in his match-winning knock.

Haider Ali provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 17 off 13 balls as Pakistan cruised to victory in the 19th over. The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second T20I scheduled to be played in Lahore on Thursday.

Rauf and Masood Shine for Pakistan

Haris Rauf was the star of the show for Pakistan with the ball, taking three wickets for just 25 runs in his four overs. The right-arm pacer was accurate and consistent throughout his spell, and he troubled the Australian batsmen with his pace and bounce.

Shan Masood was equally impressive with the bat for Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 65 off 40 balls to guide his team to victory. The left-handed opener was in control throughout his innings, and he hit some exquisite shots, including 10 fours and a six.

Australia Disappoints in Opening T20I

Australia will be disappointed with their performance in the opening T20I against Pakistan. The visitors were outplayed in all three departments of the game, and they never really recovered from Rauf's early strikes with the ball.

David Warner and Aaron Finch got Australia off to a solid start with the bat, but the loss of both openers in quick succession put the visitors on the back foot. Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade provided some resistance, but Australia's total of 162 was never going to be enough against a strong Pakistan batting lineup.

Australia's bowlers also struggled to make an impact, with only Adam Zampa taking a wicket. The leg-spinner finished with figures of 1/26 from his four overs, but the rest of the Australian bowlers were expensive and ineffective.

Pakistan in Control of Series

Pakistan's emphatic nine-wicket victory in the opening T20I has given them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The hosts will be confident of wrapping up the series in the second T20I on Thursday, and they will be looking to Rauf and Masood to continue their impressive form.

Australia, on the other hand, will need to improve significantly if they want to level the series. The visitors will need their batsmen to show more application and their bowlers to be more disciplined. The second T20I is scheduled to be played in Lahore on Thursday.