Pakistan and Australia are set to lock horns in a three-match T20I series in Lahore starting on January 29 (Thursday), with both teams keen to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The series comes less than a fortnight before the global tournament, providing a crucial platform for both sides as they look to settle on their best XIs and gain match sharpness.
This is also Australia’s first T20I assignment of 2026. The last time they featured in the format was during a home series against India in November. However, injuries have forced the visitors into a slightly reshuffled squad.
From Australia’s preliminary 15-member World Cup squad, a few players have travelled to Pakistan. Senior pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are still recovering from injuries, while Tim David and Nathan Ellis picked up setbacks during the Big Bash League. Glenn Maxwell has also been rested. Following injuries, Australia have brought in fresh faces Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, both of whom impressed during the BBL. They will be eager to use this opportunity to stake their claims.
Pakistan, meanwhile, enter the series with their own objectives. The hosts are looking to build rhythm and finalise combinations in familiar conditions. A major boost for them is the return of Babar Azam, who missed the recent Sri Lanka series while featuring in the BBL. The series also represents a chance for Babar to put a challenging phase behind him, following a forgettable few weeks in Australia during his maiden Big Bash campaign. Shaheen Afridi also features in the squad.
Head-to-head
Matches - 28
PAK won - 13
AUS won - 14
No result - 1
Pakistan likely XI: Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Australia likely XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa