Australia and Pakistan begin a high-profile three-match T20I series at Lahore, marking a crucial phase of preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both sides aim to settle combinations and test depth as they enter the final stretch before the global tournament.
Match details
Match Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I
Series Australia tour of Pakistan T20I Series 2026
Date Thursday January 29 2026
Venue Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
Start time 04:30 PM IST, 04:00 PM PST, 11:00 AM GMT
Teams Pakistan vs Australia
Team Overview
Pakistan approach the series with growing confidence after a productive run in recent months. The hosts won the Tri-Series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and followed it up by levelling a competitive away T20I series against Sri Lanka. With the World Cup approaching, Pakistan will focus on finalising their ideal XI and role clarity. Salman Ali Agha continues as captain and remains central to the team’s balance as a batting all-rounder. The batting group combines experience and explosiveness, while the bowling unit features a strong mix of pace and spin well suited to home conditions.
Australia, on the other hand, arrive in Pakistan looking to rediscover momentum after a series loss to India last year. The visitors have named a squad that blends established internationals with emerging performers from the Big Bash League. Mitchell Marsh leads the side and will use this series to experiment with combinations while maintaining competitiveness. Australia’s approach will revolve around flexibility, power hitting, and testing young players under subcontinent conditions.
Key Players to Watch
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan stands out as a batter in strong recent form. His consistency at the top provides stability, while Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman add experience and shot-making ability. In the all-round department, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz offer control and versatility. The pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi alongside Naseem Shah, gives Pakistan wicket-taking threat in both powerplay and death overs.
Australia will rely heavily on Travis Head’s aggressive intent at the top, especially on a surface known for rewarding stroke play. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis bring power and leadership in the middle order, while Cameron Green adds balance with his seam bowling. Adam Zampa remains Australia’s primary spin weapon, particularly effective during the middle overs on Pakistani pitches.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T20 internationals. Australia hold a slight advantage with 14 wins, while Pakistan have won 12 matches. One match ended in a tie, and one produced no result. The numbers reflect a competitive rivalry, though Australia have enjoyed recent success against Pakistan in this format.
Pitch and Conditions Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch traditionally supports batting, offering true bounce and pace early in the innings. Fast bowlers can extract movement with the new ball, while batters benefit from even carry that allows clean stroke play. As the match progresses, spinners tend to come into the game, especially when bowling into the drier areas of the surface. The average first-innings score here stands around 160 to 165, indicating a balanced contest between bat and ball. Weather conditions are expected to remain cool, with temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius and no threat of rain.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan probable XI
Usman Khan wicketkeeper, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha captain, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz
Australia probable XI
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh captain, Matt Short, Mitchell Owen, Josh Inglis wicketkeeper, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards or Matt Renshaw, Adam Zampa
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
In India, the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series will be televised on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch the match live on official sports television channels, including national broadcasters, along with approved digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, the series will be available through licensed cricket broadcasters and their streaming services. Australian audiences can follow the action on major sports networks and associated streaming apps. Global viewers can access coverage via regional broadcast partners and official digital platforms.
Match Prediction and Analysis
Australia enter the opening T20I with a strong recent record against Pakistan and a squad packed with all-round options. Their depth in batting and variety in bowling give them flexibility across match situations. Pakistan, however, hold home advantage and arrive with better recent momentum, particularly in similar conditions. If Pakistan’s top order fires and their pace attack strikes early, they can challenge the visitors. On balance, Australia appear slightly better placed due to squad depth and recent head-to-head dominance, but a closely contested encounter remains likely.