Lahore, January 28, 2026 – Pakistan and Australia are set to clash in the first of a three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, 2026, marking the final tune-up ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Final Preparations for the World Cup
With less than two weeks remaining before the global tournament, both teams are focused on fine-tuning combinations and building momentum. The series will provide crucial match practice for players and allow team management to finalize World Cup strategies.
Australia’s Squad and Injury Concerns
This series marks Australia’s first T20I assignment of 2026. Their last matches were at home against India in November 2025, with players staying in T20 rhythm through the Big Bash League (BBL) and a preparatory camp in Dubai.
From the preliminary 15-member squad, 10 players will travel to Pakistan. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are recovering from injuries, while Tim David and Nathan Ellis faced setbacks in the BBL. Glenn Maxwell has been rested to stay fresh for the World Cup.
Injuries have opened opportunities for Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, who impressed in the BBL. The pace attack includes Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, and Sean Abbott, while Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann lead spin. All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly, along with Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen, provide additional options. Cameron Green has resumed bowling, though his role remains flexible.
In the expanded 17-man squad, Matt Renshaw could make his T20I debut alongside Travis Head, Josh Philippe, and Josh Inglis. Mitchell Marsh will captain, though players involved in the BBL final may sit out early matches.
Pakistan’s Plans and Team Composition
Pakistan enters the series aiming to settle combinations and build rhythm. Babar Azam returns after missing the Sri Lanka series due to BBL commitments and is expected to bat at number three. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are likely to open, while Fakhar Zaman may bat outside the top four.
Captain Salman Agha seeks a stronger impact, and wicketkeeping duties could go to Khawaja Nafay or Usman Khan. Pakistan has opted for a spin-heavy attack with Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan, while pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi returns from a knee injury alongside Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, and Faheem Ashraf.
Team Form and Series Preview
In recent T20Is, Pakistan’s record stands at LWWLW, while Australia has posted LLWWW. The last bilateral T20I in Lahore in 2022 saw Australia win the one-off game. Historically, Australian teams have won the last 7 T20I meetings with Pakistan.
The Gaddafi Stadium has seen both high-scoring matches and low totals in recent games, highlighting the unpredictability of Lahore pitches. Pakistan will hope to leverage home advantage, while Australia aims to continue its dominance.
The series promises exciting cricket as teams finalize their World Cup line-ups.