Pakistan will take on Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series on Wednesday, January 28, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Fans are eager to see the team combinations on the field, as the upcoming series is the final assignment for both sides ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan have a mix of experienced stars and young talent and will look to use home conditions to their advantage against the Aussies. Australia, meanwhile, are missing some big names such as Pat Cummins, Tim David and Glenn Maxwell, but they still possess a dangerous squad, including match-winners.
This article provides the probable playing XIs for Pakistan and Australia in the first T20I, along with likely team combinations and key players to watch in Lahore.
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Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia – 1st T20I
Openers: Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
Saim Ayub is expected to open the innings with his unconventional and aggressive stroke play. Pakistan are looking for quick starts in the powerplay, and Ayub suits the flat surface in Lahore.
He is likely to be paired with Sahibzada Farhan, who has earned his place through consistent performances. Farhan is expected to take on wicketkeeping duties, allowing the team to include an extra specialist bowler or all-rounder.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz
Babar Azam will bat at number three, a role that allows him to anchor the innings and control the tempo. Fakhar Zaman would bat at four, providing left-handed aggression in the middle order to disrupt Australia’s spinners.
Captain Salman Ali Agha will bat in the middle overs. He also offer a off-spin option if the pitch slows down. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are vital in the lineup.
They bring experience in handling the middle-overs squeeze, while their ability to smash quick runs makes them crucial in these conditions.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jnr
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are expected to share the new ball. Shaheen is the main threat early on, while Naseem’s pace and bounce add extra danger.
Given the batter-friendly nature of the Gaddafi Stadium, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed is likely to be included for his wicket-taking ability. Mohammad Wasim Jnr is expected to complete the attack, providing a specialist death-bowling option with his consistent yorkers.
Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
Australia Playing XI vs Pakistan – 1st T20I
Openers: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh (c)
Travis Head returns to the side with fresh legs after missing the BBL finals. He will look to exploit the powerplay on the flat Lahore surface. Captain Mitchell Marsh is expected to partner him at the top.
Marsh featured in the recent BBL final, and his leadership along with his ability to dominate pace in the first six overs makes him vital to giving the team a flying start.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short
Cameron Green did not experience BBL fatigue before the Pakistan tour and is likely to bat at number three to anchor the innings. Josh Inglis will take the gloves and is the only specialist wicketkeeper in the side. His ability to play spin will be crucial during the middle overs in Pakistan.
Marcus Stoinis returns after a break, with his BBL team eliminated early. He is well-rested and ready to play the finisher’s role. Cooper Connolly is expected to retain his place in the lower middle order, offering a left-handed batting option and useful left-arm spin if the pitch grips.
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Xavier Bartlett will lead the pace attack with his ability to swing the new ball. Given that Lahore conditions often assist slower bowlers, Australia are likely to include Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnemann as specialist spinners.
For the final seam-bowling spot, the visitors may opt for young speedster Mahli Beardman, who is a strong contender to make his debut. He could be preferred over BBL finalists such as Sean Abbott or Ben Dwarshuis to add raw pace to the lineup.
Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short, Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman.
