Hosts set to play their 1,000th ODI as both sides test squad depth in three-match series ahead of 2027 World Cup cycle.
RAWALPINDI, May 29, 2026 — The focus shifts back to 50-over cricket as Pakistan national cricket team prepare to host world champions Australia national cricket team in a three-match ODI series that carries significance beyond routine bilateral action.
The series, beginning in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore for the final two matches, comes as both teams evaluate combinations, form and squad depth ahead of the next ICC World Cup cycle.
Pakistan will also mark a historic milestone during the series as they prepare to play their 1,000th One Day International, becoming one of the few nations to reach the landmark in the format.
The hosts return home after a disappointing tour of Bangladesh but will take confidence from strong recent ODI form in familiar conditions. Pakistan swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in Rawalpindi and defeated South Africa 2-1 at home earlier in the season.
Since the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan have won five of eight ODI series, including five wins in six home ODIs during that period.
Australia arrive after a long gap in 50-over cricket, having last played an ODI series against India in October 2025. Since winning the 2023 World Cup, they have recorded 11 wins and 10 defeats in their last 22 ODIs, highlighting inconsistency in the format.
Pakistan also hold recent bilateral dominance over Australia, who have not won an ODI series against them since a 5-0 sweep in the UAE in 2019.
Pakistan’s squad is boosted by the return of key players, including Babar Azam, who returns after missing the Bangladesh series following a dip in form.
Leg-spinner Shadab Khan also makes his ODI comeback after nearly two years, having last featured during the 2023 World Cup.
A major talking point is the omission of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan following a difficult Pakistan Super League campaign, with Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir named as keeping options.
Young batters Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain retain their places after recent debuts, while Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman remain sidelined due to injury.
Pakistan’s pace attack will again revolve around Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, with Naseem Shah returning from injury.
In the spin department, Sufyan Moqim joins Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan after a standout PSL season.
Australia arrive without several senior players. Mitchell Marsh is ruled out with an ankle injury, while Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head are unavailable due to workload management and IPL commitments.
Josh Inglis will captain the side, supported by Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis.
Australia have also included younger players such as Matt Renshaw, Matt Short, Liam Scott and Ollie Peake, while Billy Stanlake returns to the ODI setup for the first time since 2019.
Australia’s spin attack will be led by Adam Zampa, alongside Matthew Kuhnemann and Tanveer Sangha, offering options suited to subcontinental conditions.
Weather conditions are expected to play a key role, with extreme heat forcing evening starts in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Dew is likely to influence matches, making the toss a crucial factor.
Pakistan have been particularly strong in Rawalpindi, winning 19 of their 25 completed ODIs at the venue, adding further intrigue to the opening match.
With Pakistan boosted by returning stars and Australia fielding a reshaped squad, the series is expected to provide a competitive early test in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup cycle.
