Pakistan and Australia are ready to lock horns in the first match of the three-match ODI series on Saturday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series serves as an important stage for both sides as they continue preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027. The ODI series is also Australia’s first ODI tour of Pakistan since 2022. Pakistan, who will have the advantage of playing in home conditions, will look to put early pressure on Australia, who head into the series with a fresh-looking squad.

Pakistan appear determined to make a strong statement at home, with the return of senior batter Babar Azam boosting the team’s batting. Australia, meanwhile, head into the series with an undermanned squad following the absence of their big three stars Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The trio has been rested due to the action-packed schedule in the longest format later this year. To make matters worse, captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the series due to injury.

In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the side against Pakistan. Rising star Cooper Connolly, having had a tremendously successful IPL campaign, has been added to the Australia squad. Australia's squad also features Ollie Peake and Liam Scott and this series offers a valuable opportunity for them to make an impact and cement their places in the side. Pakistan will be led by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. The side boasts big names like Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Salman Agha.

In a big setback, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not selected after being ruled out with injury. Pakistan have, however, brought in three uncapped players in wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal and allrounder Arafat Minhas. In a big positive, Pakistan are carrying huge momentum going into this series, having won their past two ODI series against Australia. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 111

AUS won - 71

PAK won - 36

Tied -1 

No result - 3

Pakistan possible XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Ghazi Ghouri (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Australia possible XI: Matt Short, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Liam Scott, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann