Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match: Pakistan and Australia will face each other in a three-match T20 International series starting Thursday, January 29. All matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and will serve as final preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Mitch Marsh will lead Australia in the series, while Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan.
Australia will be without several senior players for the series. Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis are not part of the tour. Glenn Maxwell has been given extended rest ahead of the World Cup. As per reports, captain Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis are also unlikely to play the series opener. Fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards are both in line to make their international debuts during the series. Matthew Renshaw is also under focus as he looks to cement his place as a three-format player for Australia.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have named their full World Cup squad for the home series. Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Junior has been added as extra pace cover for the Australia tour. Haris Rauf has not been selected, while fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi returns after recovering from a knee injury. Much attention will be on Babar Azam following his poor run in the recent Big Bash League. His role in the batting order will be closely watched, as Pakistan look to finalise their top and middle order ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan vs Australia - Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026 - Squads
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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 (captain), 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.
Pakistan vs Australia - Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026 - Match timingsAll three matches will start at 4:30 pm IST.
Pakistan vs Australia - Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026 - Live streamingThe match will not be televised live in India. Live streaming is expected to be available on the Sports TV YouTube channel.
Pakistan vs Australia - Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026 - Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 29 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 4:30 pm |
| 2nd T20I | January 31 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 4:30 pm |
| 3rd T20I | February 1 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 4:30 pm |