Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match: Pakistan will take on Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The hosts are led by Salman Ali Agha and will use the series as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. Australia, captained by Mitchell Marsh, have brought a strong squad to adapt to subcontinental conditions. However, they will be without several senior players, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David. Their absence gives younger players a chance to prove themselves. Pakistan, however, have made notable changes, leaving out senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf. This puts added responsibility on captain Salman Ali Agha to balance experienced players with new faces.
Weather Forecast and Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is considered batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 164 in T20Is. Teams batting first have enjoyed more success. Pacers may get some swing early, but dew is expected to play a major role in the second innings.
The weather in Lahore is expected to be cool and hazy. Evening temperatures likely to range between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. There is no forecast of rain, but dew and possible fog could affect play.
Teams and squads
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq.
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 Phillippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Australia will miss key players such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David. Their absence gives younger players a chance to prove themselves ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan Probable Playing XIs for 1st T20I vs Australia:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Australia Playing XI for 1st T20I vs Pakistan:
Travis Head (C), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Match Timings: The match is scheduled to begin at 8:30 pm IST.
Match Venue: The match will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Live streaming: The match will not be televised live in India. Live streaming is expected to be available on the Sports TV YouTube channel.
