Pakistan will embark on a pivotal three-match ODI series against Australia starting Monday, as both teams set their sights on solidifying combinations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year.
This series marks Pakistan’s inaugural outing under the stewardship of Mohammad Rizwan, the newly appointed white-ball captain, who is keen on using these matches to gauge his team’s readiness for the international event.
With an array of ODI series on their schedule before hosting the Champions Trophy on home soil, Rizwan emphasized the importance of discovering the ideal lineup for the tournament. “We have a series of ODIs coming up, beginning with Australia, followed by Zimbabwe and South Africa, and culminating in a home tri-nation tournament,” Rizwan commented in a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “These matches are instrumental in helping us carve out a formidable combination as we prepare to defend our Champions Trophy title.”
Pakistan famously clinched the Champions Trophy in 2017, beating arch-rivals India in a thrilling final. Now, under Rizwan’s leadership, they aim to retain the title and reaffirm their position among the elite in international cricket. In this first ODI, Pakistan has announced a lineup featuring promising debutants Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub, showcasing a blend of youth and experience.
Pakistan XI for First ODI
1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Saim Ayub
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper)
5. Kamran Ghulam
6. Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
7. Muhammad Irfan Khan
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Naseem Shah
10. Haris Rauf
11. Mohammad Hasnain
The lineup reflects a strategy of balance, with seasoned performers like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi anchoring the team alongside emerging talents, as Pakistan seeks a powerful, cohesive squad to make a statement against Australia.
On the other side, Australia’s Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning squad, led by Pat Cummins, is equally determined to put on a strong showing. With a fresh opening pair, Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Australians are exploring combinations as they also aim to build momentum toward the Champions Trophy. Cummins encouraged his opening pair to approach the innings with aggressive intent, similar to T20 cricket. “Both of them have shown prowess in T20s, so we want them to go for it,” he remarked, reinforcing the attacking brand of cricket Australia is known for.
Australia XI for First ODI
1. Matt Short
2. Jake Fraser-McGurk
3. Steve Smith
4. Josh Inglis (wk)
5. Marnus Labuschagne
6. Aaron Hardie
7. Glenn Maxwell
8. Sean Abbott
9. Pat Cummins (captain)
10. Mitchell Starc
11. Adam Zampa
The clash promises a riveting contest between two competitive sides eager to establish dominance. With Rizwan’s captaincy debut and Australia’s intent to assess new opening options, both teams are poised for an exciting showdown, setting the tone for a high-stakes series.
