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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 combination on the field as the upcoming series is the last task for both sides before the much-awaited 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan has a mix of experienced stars and young talent and they will take advantage of the home conditions against Australia. Australia, meanwhile, are missing some big names like Pat Cummins, Tim David and Glenn Maxwell, but they still have a dangerous line-up that includes match-winners.
This article provides the likely line-ups for Pakistan and Australia in the first T20I, along with possible team combinations and key players to watch out for in Lahore.
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Pakistan vs Australia – 1st T20I
Opening match: Sahi and Shibzada Farhan (week)
Saeem Ayoub is expected to start the first game with his unconventional and aggressive stroke play. Pakistan are looking to get off to a fast start in the powerplay and Ayub suits the flat pitches of 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, enabling the team to add an extra specialist bowler or all-rounder.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz
Babar Azam will be the No. 3 batsman, a role that allows him to dominate the innings and control the tempo. Fakhar Zaman will bat at number four, providing left-handed attack in the middle order to disrupt Australia’s spin team.
Captain Salman Ali Agha will bat in the middle overs. He also offers off-spin options if the ball slows down. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are crucial in the lineup.
They bring experience of dealing with midfield squeeze, and their ability to crush quick runs makes them vital in these situations.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are expected to share the new ball. Shaheen is the main threat early on, while Naseem’s speed and bounce add extra danger.
Given the batsman-friendly nature of the Gaddafi Stadium, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed is likely to be included for his wicket-taking abilities. Mohammad Wasim Jnr is expected to complete the attack, providing a specialist death bowling option to his usual yorker side.
Pakistan team lineup: 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 vs Pakistan – 1st T20I
Opener: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh (c)
Travis Head returns to the team with fresh legs after missing the BBL final. He will be looking to play strong on the flat surfaces of Lahore. Captain Mitchell Marsh is expected to partner him.
Marsh performed well in the recent BBL finals and his leadership and ability to dictate the tempo in the first six games make him vital to the team’s strong start.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (week), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short
Cameron Green has not experienced BBL fatigue ahead of the Pakistan tour and is likely to dominate the innings batting at number three. Josh Inglis will take over the gloves as the team’s only professional goaltender. His spin ability is crucial in Pakistan’s midfield game.
Marcus Stoinis returns after a break and his BBL side were eliminated early. He’s well rested and ready to play the role of a closer. Cooper Connolly is expected to retain his place in the lower-middle order, providing a left-handed batting option and useful left-arm spin when the pitches get a grip.
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuehneman, Adam Zampa, Mahli Bildman
Xavier Bartlett will lead the pace attack with his ability to swing the new ball. Given that conditions in Lahore usually favor slower bowlers, Australia may include Adam Zampa and Matt Kuneman as specialist spinners.
For the final seam bowling position, the visitors may opt for young pacer Mahli Beardman, who is a strong contender for his debut. He might be preferred over BBL finalists like Sean Abbott or Ben Dwarshuis to add raw pace to the lineup.
Australia XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short, Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuneman, Adam Zampa, Mahli Bildman.
