The first T20I between Australia and Pakistan was washed out due to rain played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on Sunday.
Australian captain Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to field first. It was an ideal start for the hosts as Mitchell Starc got early breakthrough dismissing Fakhar Zaman for 0 off the 2nd ball. Kane Richardson struck to get wicket of Haris Sohail to reduce Pakistan at 10 for 2. Pakistan newly appointed T20I captain Babar Azam looked in good touch putting pressure on Australian bowlers along with Mohammad Rizwan. At the end of 6 overs, Pakistan were 38 for 2.
After the power play overs, Azam and Rizwan continued to make the batting look easy taking singles and hitting occasional boundaries. Ashton Agar provided breakthrough for Australia as he dismissed Rizwan for 31. Rizwan and Babar added 60 runs for the 3rd wicket. At the score of 88 for 3, rain arrived and disrupted the momentum of Pakistan innings. After rain break, the match was reduced to 15 overs a side.
Soon after the rain break, Azam reached his fifty off 34 balls. Asif Ali and Imad Wasim could not score many runs. Pakistan ended on 107 for 5 in 15 overs with Babar remaining not out on 59.
Chasing down the revised target of 119 runs to win, Australian captain Aaron Finch was severe on Mohammad Irfan spanking him for 26 runs in the 3rd over to give the hosts a flying start. When the score was 41 for 0 in 3.1 overs, rain arrived. Heavy rains took place and the umpires had to call off play.
It was a frustrating day for the Australian team as they looked well placed to take 1-0 lead in the series. For Pakistan, Babar Azam looked impressive opening the innings and made sure that Pakistan scored some runs.
Pakistan 107 for 5 in 15 overs (Babar Azam 59, Mohammad Rizwan 31, Kane Richardson 2/16, Mitchell Starc 2/22) Australia 41 for 0 in 3.1 overs ( Aaron Finch 37*, Warner 2*) no result.
The 2nd match of the T20I series will be played at Manuka Oval, Canberra on 5th November.
