NEW DELHI: Former India batter Aakash Chopra trolled Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while giving him a reality check over his praise for Pakistan's victory against Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series in Lahore.

Sharif called Pakistan's performance "electrifying" and praised PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his relentless efforts in developing Pakistan cricket.

"Well done Team Pakistan for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. Proud moment for the nation," Sharif posted on X.

Chopra was quick to enlighten the Pakistani PM with a reality check, pointing out that Australia fielded a second-string side and that a 20-run win in a 170-run match hardly qualifies as "electrifying."

"With due respect...it's a bilateral T20i against Australia's B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170 run game can't possibly qualify as 'electrifying'," Chopra responded.

In the absence of five World Cup players, Australia also benched captain Mitchell Marsh and handed debuts to Matt Renshaw, Jack Edwards and Mahli Beardman on a slow Gaddafi Stadium pitch.

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.