Australia and Pakistan will kick off a three-match T20I series on Thursday, January 29, as both teams gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7.
The short series, featuring three matches in four days, will be a crucial preparation phase for both sides ahead of the global tournament.
Series Overview
Australia are touring Pakistan for the T20I series, with all matches scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The series will conclude on February 1.
Australia vs Pakistan T20I Series: Dates & Venue
-
1st T20I: January 29
-
2nd T20I: January 31
-
3rd T20I: February 1
📍 Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Match Timings
-
All matches start at: 4:30 PM IST
Team News & Key Talking Points
Australia
Australia will use the series to test their bench strength, with Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards in contention for their international debuts. Matthew Renshaw is also eyeing a spot as a potential three-format player.
Several senior players including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis are unavailable, as they prepare to join the World Cup squad. Mitch Marsh will lead the Australian side as captain.
Selectors are keen to assess how younger players handle pressure before finalising the World Cup lineup.
Pakistan
Pakistan have named a full-strength World Cup squad for the series. Shaheen Shah Afridi returns after recovering from a knee injury, while Mohammad Wasim Jr. has been added as extra pace-bowling cover.
Haris Rauf is not part of the squad. Attention will be firmly on Babar Azam, following a disappointing Big Bash League campaign, with his batting position expected to be closely monitored ahead of the World Cup.
Squads
Australia Squad
Mitch Marsh (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Pakistan Squad
Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
