The first T20I of the 2026 series between Pakistan And Australia Gaddafi stadium serves as an important dress rehearsal ICC Men’s T20 World CupWhich starts in just over a week. With both teams experimenting with new talent and veterans returning, this clash under the Lahore lights promises to be a high level of preparation.
Pakistan has entered the series under the leadership of salman ali aga. Big news is back for the host team Babar Azam And Shaheen Shah Afridi Towards the national side. Both spent the early part of the year playing in Australia Big Bash League (BBL). While his presence adds tremendous firepower, his recent T20 form is a point of discussion – Babar struggled with strike rate, and Shaheen was unusually expensive during his BBL stint.
Australia, led by Michelle MarshHas come up with a team that balances experienced core players with “BBL breakout” stars. giants like pat cummins And glen maxwell Rests are being given to manage workload ahead of the World Cup, opening doors for uncapped fast bowlers Mahali Beardman and versatile jack edwards.
PAK vs AUS 1st T20I, Team
Pakistan: Salman Ali Aga (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saeem Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Australia: Mitch Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahali Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnman, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Also read: Babar Azam returns, Haris Rauf dropped from Pakistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
Gaddafi Stadium has recently been renovated, but its identity as a “batting paradise” remains. A flat deck where the ball hits the bat well. Historically around 165-175, but with short boundaries and evening dew, a score north of 190 may be necessary to feel safe. Chasing has been prioritized in night games here due to the potential dew factor, which makes it difficult for spinners to catch the ball in the second innings.
Gaddafi Stadium statistics and records
- Total T20I matches: 34
- Matches were won by batting first:20
- Matches won by bowling first: 14
- Average score of first innings: 164
- Average score of second innings: 147
- Highest total recorded: 209/3 (20 overs) England vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 94/10 (15.3 overs) New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Highest score chased: 197/3 (17.2 overs) Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Defense of Minimum Score: 126/7 (20 overs) by Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women
Also read: Fans troll Pakistan cricket after cheeky reference to India in PAK vs AUS T20I series promo