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Australia tour of Pakistan 2026: 1st T20I | Lahore | January 29 | Pre-Match Discussion

The Bald Eagle

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Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The matches will take place on 29, 31 January, 1 February and will begin at 4pm PKT.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the three-match away series against Sri Lanka in January.

Shadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan squad and player support personnel are expected to convene in Lahore on Saturday, 24 January and will begin their preparations for the series the following day.

Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 February and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

16-member squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq
 
What should be playing 11??? Too many top order batters.

Farhan
Saim
Babar
salman
Usman
Nafay
Nawaz
Shadab
Abrar
Shaheen
salman mirza
 
Vikram1989 said:
I dont expect anything less than a mauling. If first choice bowlers are fit, all hyped up 130 sr batters will be shown their place
Click to expand...

IMO Aus will win bcos they are tremendously fit athletes, if opposite team make one error they snatch the whole game from opposition.
 
globetrotter said:
IMO Aus will win bcos they are tremendously fit athletes, if opposite team make one error they snatch the whole game from opposition.
Click to expand...
Will be interesting to see how Australian juggernauts handle Pakistan's spin bowling attack. The pitches won't be flat that's for sure.

Regardless our batting is so garbage that we will still get mauled.
 
Usman Chadda said:
Will be interesting to see how Australian juggernauts handle Pakistan's spin bowling attack. The pitches won't be flat that's for sure.

Regardless our batting is so garbage that we will still get mauled.
Click to expand...

Unlike old Australian players, current Australian players playing spin well.... reason is IPL, they all have enough experience of playing spinners in IPL
 
Usman Chadda said:
Will be interesting to see how Australian juggernauts handle Pakistan's spin bowling attack. The pitches won't be flat that's for sure.

Regardless our batting is so garbage that we will still get mauled.
Click to expand...

Yes we should be making pitches as close to Sri Lanka as possible but somehow i don't think the PCB will think of that.
 
Babeikh said:
Yes we should be making pitches as close to Sri Lanka as possible but somehow i don't think the PCB will think of that.
Click to expand...
PCB’s internal circuit has fried up as the World Cup is getting closer.

Rather than let the team focus on the cricket, they are being led to focus on boycotts and auctions.
 

Mitchell Marsh Quotes (Pakistan Tour Presser)​

  • On arriving in Pakistan and preparations
    “Firstly, thank you for having us. We’re very excited to be here. It’s a really important time in both teams’ preparations for the World Cup.”
  • On Australia’s training camp
    “Most of the squad has been in Dubai for the last four days training and getting together. Some of us arrived a little later due to Big Bash commitments, but we’re certainly ready to go.”
  • On facing Pakistan’s fast bowlers
    “Pakistan has a great history of producing fast bowlers over time, so we’re really looking forward to that challenge.”
  • Special praise for Shaheen Afridi
    “Shaheen is an amazing bowler, and it’s going to be a great challenge for our group.”
  • On adjusting to Pakistan’s cold weather
    “I must admit, I didn’t pack too many jumpers. I wasn’t aware Pakistan got this cold — so I’ll know for next time.”
  • On different styles of preparation
    “Preparation can look different for every tour. Most of the group prepared in Dubai, while others have been playing throughout the Big Bash.”
  • On missing senior players like Glenn Maxwell
    “This tour is really important for our World Cup preparations. Some guys weren’t quite ready to be here, but they’re back home training and preparing to meet us in Sri Lanka.”
  • On Pakistan players featuring in the Big Bash
    “It was great to see some Pakistan players in the Big Bash. It brought a whole new audience, and I hope they enjoyed their time in Australia.”
  • On Babar Azam
    “Babar has been a world-class player for a long period of time. We have great respect for him, and in these conditions he’s still one of the best players in the world.”
  • On team selection and strategy
    “We’ll come together tonight, pick a team, and see where that lands. Those decisions will be made later or tomorrow.”
  • On dangerous Pakistan players
    “I don’t think I should name just one or two players. They have some amazing cricketers, and we know it’s going to be a really good challenge.”
  • On playing away from home
    “Winning away from home is always hard, especially in conditions that can be foreign to us. We’re really excited about the opportunity.”
  • On facing Pakistan’s spin attack
    “The main thing is being really clear with our planning and how we’re going to attack the spin. We’ll assess the conditions quickly and see what the wicket does.”
  • On World Cup preparation in subcontinent conditions
    “We see this series as great preparation for what we could potentially face in Sri Lanka.”
  • On Travis Head’s big-match ability
    “We feel very fortunate to have him in our team. He’s a proven big-match performer, and hopefully he’ll be right there for us at the pointy end of the tournament.”
 
globetrotter said:
Unlike old Australian players, current Australian players playing spin well.... reason is IPL, they all have enough experience of playing spinners in IPL
Click to expand...
Which past Australian players played spin poorly?

The Waughs, Martyn, Hayden, Clarke, Hussey - they all played spin well.

And in white ball cricket , you can add the likes of Symonds and Watson as well.
 
Salman Ali Agha's presser:

Q: Salman, when you became captain last year, Pakistan adopted a more aggressive direction in T20 cricket. After almost a year, do you think the team has made progress? And what are your expectations from these three matches?

Salman Ali Agha:
“I feel the direction we took at that time is still the same, and we are almost on that path. In the last six or seven months, we haven’t always had conditions where scoring 200 runs was possible. But whenever the conditions allowed, we have made 200-plus totals.”

“Against Bangladesh in Lahore, we almost scored 200 in every game. Recently in Sri Lanka, we nearly chased 160 in 12 overs. So, whenever the conditions suit, we play aggressive cricket. But if the conditions don’t allow it, then you have to play sensible, basic cricket.”

“These three matches are very important because they will help us identify our best playing XI and combination for the World Cup.”

Q: Can we expect Babar Azam’s performance to improve after the Big Bash?

Salman Ali Agha:
“To be honest, I wish that one day I come to a press conference and there are no questions only about Babar. We have 11 to 14 players in the squad, and others deserve attention too.”

“He has been batting well for us. Yes, you can say he didn’t perform in the Big Bash the way his franchise expected, but for Pakistan, he has been doing very well. His role in the team is clear, and he is fulfilling it.”

“What happened in the Big Bash doesn’t matter to me.”

Q: Critics say Pakistan wins many matches, but struggles against bigger teams. How do you respond, especially with Australia coming up before the World Cup?

Salman Ali Agha:
“In T20 cricket, no team is small or big. I remember when we played Afghanistan in Sharjah, people said they were the second-best team in Asia. When we beat them, suddenly they were called a weaker side.”

“This is the problem — if Pakistan beats someone, people say that team was below us. If Pakistan loses, then people say we lost to a strong team.”

“In international cricket, no team is easy. Whether it is the number one team or a lower-ranked team, we focus only on improving our own cricket and executing our plans.”

“These matches against Australia are very important because they help us tick all the boxes before the World Cup.”

Q: The team has been training at the NCA camp. How has the preparation been, and what is the update on Faheem Ashraf’s fitness?

Salman Ali Agha:
“We have been trying to tick all the required boxes. It has been around 10 days since the camp started, and our preparation is based on the pitches and conditions we will face ahead.”

“Faheem is absolutely fine, Alhamdulillah.”

Q: Pakistan’s squad seems spin-heavy. Is the combination clear in your mind, or will it be difficult to finalize?

Salman Ali Agha:
“The combination may change depending on conditions, but roles are very clear. Players know what their roles are, and we know what we need from them.”

“Different players will be used in different roles depending on the situation.”

Q: In the last match against Sri Lanka, we saw you batting very aggressively. Will you continue that style?

Salman Ali Agha:
“I have already said that it depends on what the team requires. In that match, the situation demanded powerplay aggression because we needed almost 14 runs per over for 12 overs.”

“If such a situation comes again, I will play the same way. If not, then I will play according to the team’s needs.”

Q: With Australia missing a few main players, is this a golden opportunity for Pakistan?

Salman Ali Agha:
“Australia is Australia — no matter who comes in, their mentality is always to dominate. You cannot call it a golden opportunity just because a few main players are absent.”

“Of course, we have an opportunity, and if we play our best cricket and reach our potential, we definitely have chances to win this series.”

Q: What message do you have for fans, who can become emotional and aggressive after a poor performance?

Salman Ali Agha:
“Our fans are very emotional because cricket is one of the biggest sports we have. When we perform well, they celebrate us, and when we don’t, their anger is understandable.”

“In Lahore, the crowd is always full, and I expect it to be the same this time. My request is that they continue supporting us as they always do. We will give our best to win the series.”

Q: You have performed well at number three. Has there been any discussion about promoting you permanently?

Salman Ali Agha:
“I know my statistics at number three, but sometimes you have to do what the team demands.”

“In international cricket, if you are part of the XI, you cannot decide your own position. Whatever role and number the team gives you, you must play there.”

Q: How important are experienced players like Shadab Khan and Babar Azam ahead of a big tournament like the World Cup?

Salman Ali Agha:
“Experience matters a lot in big tournaments because pressure games are different. Players who have already played World Cups react differently compared to those who haven’t.”

“These are players who have played two or three World Cups for Pakistan. If Pakistan wins the World Cup, they will have a major role, and they know it too.”
 
Pakistan and Australia set for Thursday at Gaddafi Stadium

Pakistan will lock horns with Australia in the three match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore as the visitors return to the country after last year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The three T20Is will take place on 29, 31 January and 1 February.

The first ball will be bowled at 4pm PKT in all games with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm. Australia’s 17-member squad arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday led by Mitchell Marsh.

Among the players Jack Edwards, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Matthew Kuhnemann and Xavier Bartlett are visiting Pakistan for the first time. Beardman and Edwards are uncapped at the international level.

Pakistan’s 16-member squad convened in Lahore on 25 January and have prepared for the T20I series with training sessions and a solitary scenario-based T20 match on Monday.

Babar Azam – the leading run-scorer in T20I history – and Shaheen Shah Afridi – the second-leading wicket-taker in T20Is for Pakistan – return to Pakistan squad after missing the Sri Lanka series earlier in January.

On the bilateral front, the two teams have faced each other 28 times in T20Is since their first contest at Johannesburg on 18 September, 2007. Pakistan have won 12, while Australia hold the edge with 14 wins including one at the Gaddafi Stadium in April 2022.

The two teams have faced off in nine bilateral series, four of which comprised of one off T20I. Pakistan have won in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2018. Australia have secured series wins on five occasions against Pakistan.

Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan captain:

“We have prepared really well for this series in the previous 10 days. There are no weak opponents in T20 cricket and our focus is on executing our plans and playing smart, quality cricket.

“Having the experienced and senior players in the group is vital, it makes a big difference when you are trying to win a series.”

Mitchell Marsh, Australia captain:

“I’m really excited to be here as this series is ideal preparation of the World Cup. Pakistan have a great tradition of fast bowling and I’m looking forward to facing Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“Winning away from home is always tough, especially in these conditions, but that’s exactly what makes it a great challenge for us.”

Pakistan 16-member squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

Player support personnel:

Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

Australia squad:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, Travis Head and Xavier Bartlett

Series schedule: (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 4pm PKT

2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 4pm PKT

3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 4pm PKT
 
Ball Blazer said:

Mitchell Marsh Quotes (Pakistan Tour Presser)​

  • On arriving in Pakistan and preparations
    “Firstly, thank you for having us. We’re very excited to be here. It’s a really important time in both teams’ preparations for the World Cup.”
  • On Australia’s training camp
    “Most of the squad has been in Dubai for the last four days training and getting together. Some of us arrived a little later due to Big Bash commitments, but we’re certainly ready to go.”
  • On facing Pakistan’s fast bowlers
    “Pakistan has a great history of producing fast bowlers over time, so we’re really looking forward to that challenge.”
  • Special praise for Shaheen Afridi
    “Shaheen is an amazing bowler, and it’s going to be a great challenge for our group.”
  • On adjusting to Pakistan’s cold weather
    “I must admit, I didn’t pack too many jumpers. I wasn’t aware Pakistan got this cold — so I’ll know for next time.”
  • On different styles of preparation
    “Preparation can look different for every tour. Most of the group prepared in Dubai, while others have been playing throughout the Big Bash.”
  • On missing senior players like Glenn Maxwell
    “This tour is really important for our World Cup preparations. Some guys weren’t quite ready to be here, but they’re back home training and preparing to meet us in Sri Lanka.”
  • On Pakistan players featuring in the Big Bash
    “It was great to see some Pakistan players in the Big Bash. It brought a whole new audience, and I hope they enjoyed their time in Australia.”
  • On Babar Azam
    “Babar has been a world-class player for a long period of time. We have great respect for him, and in these conditions he’s still one of the best players in the world.”
  • On team selection and strategy
    “We’ll come together tonight, pick a team, and see where that lands. Those decisions will be made later or tomorrow.”
  • On dangerous Pakistan players
    “I don’t think I should name just one or two players. They have some amazing cricketers, and we know it’s going to be a really good challenge.”
  • On playing away from home
    “Winning away from home is always hard, especially in conditions that can be foreign to us. We’re really excited about the opportunity.”
  • On facing Pakistan’s spin attack
    “The main thing is being really clear with our planning and how we’re going to attack the spin. We’ll assess the conditions quickly and see what the wicket does.”
  • On World Cup preparation in subcontinent conditions
    “We see this series as great preparation for what we could potentially face in Sri Lanka.”
  • On Travis Head’s big-match ability
    “We feel very fortunate to have him in our team. He’s a proven big-match performer, and hopefully he’ll be right there for us at the pointy end of the tournament.”
Click to expand...
Australia’s players, led by Mitchell Marsh, trained in Dubai before flying straight to Pakistan for the series.

Makes me wonder, why not just practice in Pakistan?

Getting a few sessions on local pitches could help them get used to the weather and conditions instead of figuring it out on match day.
 
Head
Marsh
Green
Inglis
Stoinis
Owen
Conolly
Dwarshius
Bartlett
Zampa
Abbott

Very strong XI
 
Ball Blazer said:

Mitchell Marsh Quotes (Pakistan Tour Presser)​

  • On arriving in Pakistan and preparations
    “Firstly, thank you for having us. We’re very excited to be here. It’s a really important time in both teams’ preparations for the World Cup.”
  • On Australia’s training camp
    “Most of the squad has been in Dubai for the last four days training and getting together. Some of us arrived a little later due to Big Bash commitments, but we’re certainly ready to go.”
  • On facing Pakistan’s fast bowlers
    “Pakistan has a great history of producing fast bowlers over time, so we’re really looking forward to that challenge.”
  • Special praise for Shaheen Afridi
    “Shaheen is an amazing bowler, and it’s going to be a great challenge for our group.”
  • On adjusting to Pakistan’s cold weather
    “I must admit, I didn’t pack too many jumpers. I wasn’t aware Pakistan got this cold — so I’ll know for next time.”
  • On different styles of preparation
    “Preparation can look different for every tour. Most of the group prepared in Dubai, while others have been playing throughout the Big Bash.”
  • On missing senior players like Glenn Maxwell
    “This tour is really important for our World Cup preparations. Some guys weren’t quite ready to be here, but they’re back home training and preparing to meet us in Sri Lanka.”
  • On Pakistan players featuring in the Big Bash
    “It was great to see some Pakistan players in the Big Bash. It brought a whole new audience, and I hope they enjoyed their time in Australia.”
  • On Babar Azam
    “Babar has been a world-class player for a long period of time. We have great respect for him, and in these conditions he’s still one of the best players in the world.”
  • On team selection and strategy
    “We’ll come together tonight, pick a team, and see where that lands. Those decisions will be made later or tomorrow.”
  • On dangerous Pakistan players
    “I don’t think I should name just one or two players. They have some amazing cricketers, and we know it’s going to be a really good challenge.”
  • On playing away from home
    “Winning away from home is always hard, especially in conditions that can be foreign to us. We’re really excited about the opportunity.”
  • On facing Pakistan’s spin attack
    “The main thing is being really clear with our planning and how we’re going to attack the spin. We’ll assess the conditions quickly and see what the wicket does.”
  • On World Cup preparation in subcontinent conditions
    “We see this series as great preparation for what we could potentially face in Sri Lanka.”
  • On Travis Head’s big-match ability
    “We feel very fortunate to have him in our team. He’s a proven big-match performer, and hopefully he’ll be right there for us at the pointy end of the tournament.”
Click to expand...
Tldr: What do you think of Pakistani players?
 
Rana said:
Head
Marsh
Green
Inglis
Stoinis
Owen
Conolly
Dwarshius
Bartlett
Zampa
Abbott

Very strong XI
Click to expand...
Who is favourite to win the first match ? Bookie has put Australia huge favourite to win

I think Pakistan will dominate in home condition.

:kp
 
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