The first T20I of the 2026 collection between Pakistan and Australia at Gaddafi Stadium serves as an important costume rehearsal for the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup, which kicks off in simply over every week. With each groups experimenting with contemporary expertise and returning stalwarts, this conflict below the Lahore lights guarantees high-stakes preparation.
Pakistan enter the collection below the management of Salman Ali Agha. The large information for the hosts is the return of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to the nationwide aspect. Each spent the early a part of the yr in Australia enjoying within the Massive Bash League (BBL). Whereas their presence provides immense firepower, their current T20 kind is a degree of debate—Babar struggled with strike charges, and Shaheen was unusually costly throughout his BBL stint.
Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, has arrived with a squad that balances skilled core gamers with “BBL breakout” stars. Heavyweights like Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell are being rested to handle workloads earlier than the World Cup, opening the door for uncapped quicks like Mahli Beardman and the versatile Jack Edwards.
PAK vs AUS 1st T20I, Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Australia: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Inexperienced, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Brief, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa
Additionally READ: Babar Azam returns, Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium has just lately undergone renovations, however its id as a “batting paradise” stays. A flat deck the place the ball comes onto the bat properly. Traditionally round 165-175, however with the brief boundaries and night dew, a rating north of 190 may be essential to really feel protected. Chasing has been most popular in night time video games right here because of the potential dew issue making the ball troublesome for spinners to grip within the second innings.
Gaddafi Stadium Stats & Data
- Whole T20I Matches: 34
- Matches received batting first: 20
- Matches received bowling first: 14
- Common 1st Innings Rating: 164
- Common 2nd Innings Rating: 147
- Highest Whole Recorded: 209/3 (20 Ovs) By England vs Pakistan
- Lowest Whole Recorded: 94/10 (15.3 Ovs) By New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Highest Rating Chased: 197/3 (17.2 Ovs) By Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Lowest Rating Defended: 126/7 (20 Ovs) By Pakistan Girls vs Bangladesh Girls
Additionally READ: Fans troll Pakistan cricket after cheeky India reference in PAK vs AUS T20I series promo
