Australia started their chase with intent, with openers Matthew Short and stand-in captain putting on 21 runs off the first ten balls. However, Ayub made an immediate impact by dismissing Short, who scored five from four balls. Ayub struck again in his subsequent over, removing Head, who had blasted 23 runs off 13 balls, including two sixes and as many fours. For Pakistan, bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Ayub each claimed two wickets, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket apiece. Zampa broke this partnership by dismissing Ayub in the eighth over, with the 23-year-old top-scoring for Pakistan with a 22-ball 40 that included three fours and two sixes.