The spin quartet of Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz — all selected for the T20 World Cup —- shared six wickets to restrict Australia to 146-8 in reply to Pakistan’s 168-8. Ahmed led with 2-10 off four overs and Ayub’s two wickets included Australia stand-in captain Travis Head for a 13-ball 23.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first at the SSC in Colombo. The pitch has a noticeable grass covering, which is expected to assist the fast bowlers early on. As the match progresses, the surface is likely to offer turn,