Pakistan will take on Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, January 28. Fans are eager to see the team combination on the field, as the upcoming series is the final assignment for both the sides before the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan have a mix of experienced stars and young talent and will look to take advantage of home conditions against the Australian team. Meanwhile, Australia are missing some big names like Pat Cummins, Tim David and Glenn Maxwell, but they still have a dangerous squad, which also includes match-winners.
This article provides information on the probable playing XIs for Pakistan and Australia in the first T20I as well as possible team combinations and key players to watch out for in Lahore.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia – 1st T20I
Openers: Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
Saim Ayub is expected to open the innings with his unorthodox and aggressive stroke play. Pakistan are looking for quick starts in the powerplay and Ayub is suitable for the flat surface of Lahore.
She is likely to be paired with Sahibzada Farhan, who has earned her place through consistent performances. Farhan is expected to take up the wicketkeeping duties, thereby adding an additional specialist bowler or all-rounder to the team.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz.
Babar Azam will bat at number three, a role that allows him to pace the innings and control the pace. Fakhar Zaman will bat at number four, providing left-handed aggression in the middle order to disrupt Australia’s spinners.
Captain Salman Ali Aga will bat in the middle overs. He also provides off-spin options if the pitch becomes slow. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are important in the lineup.
He has the experience to handle the pressure of the middle overs, while his ability to score runs quickly makes him vital in these conditions.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are expected to share the new ball. Shaheen is the main threat early on, while Naseem’s pace and bounce provide additional threat.
Given the batsman-friendly nature of the Gaddafi Stadium, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed is likely to be included for his wicket-taking ability. Mohammad Wasim Jr. is expected to complete the attack, providing specialist death-bowling options with his consistent yorkers.
Pakistan playing eleven: Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Australia Playing XI vs Pakistan – 1st T20I
Openers: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh (C)
Travis Head has returned to the team with fresh intentions after missing the BBL final. He will try to take advantage of the powerplay on the flat surface of Lahore. Captain Mitchell Marsh is expected to be his partner at the top of the order.
Marsh recently featured in the BBL final, and his leadership as well as his ability to dominate the pace in the first six overs make him crucial in giving the team a great start.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short
Cameron Green did not experience BBL fatigue ahead of the Pakistan tour and is likely to bat at number three to keep the innings going. Josh Inglis will take charge and is the only specialist wicketkeeper in the team. His ability to play spin will be crucial during the middle overs in Pakistan.
Marcus Stoinis returned after the break, with his BBL team bowing out early. He is well rested and ready to play the role of finisher. Cooper Connolly is expected to retain his place in the lower middle order, providing a left-handed batting option and useful left-arm spin if the pitch holds.
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhnman, Adam Zampa, Mahali Beardman
Xavier Bartlett will lead the pace attack with his ability to swing the new ball. Given that the conditions in Lahore often favor slower bowlers, Australia are likely to include Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnman as specialist spinners.
For the final seam-bowling spot, the visitors may opt for young fast bowler Mahali Beardman, who is a favorite to make her debut. He may be preferred over BBL finalists like Sean Abbott or Ben Dwarshuis to add raw pace to the lineup.
Australia playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short, Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhnman, Adam Zampa, Mahali Beardman.
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