PAK vs AUS Squads 2026: Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I Team Lists & Preview
The much-anticipated Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I marks the beginning of Australia’s
tour of Pakistan in 2026. Scheduled to be played under lights in Lahore, this encounter
serves as a crucial preparation phase for both sides ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
With Pakistan fielding a near full-strength squad and Australia opting for a mixed lineup
featuring youth and experience, the series opener promises an intriguing contest.
Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs Australia, 1st T20I |
|---|---|
| Series | Australia tour of Pakistan 2025/26 |
| Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Time | 4:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Lahore |
| Match Type | Day/Night T20I |
| Status | Match Yet To Begin |
Pakistan Squad – PAK vs AUS 1st T20I
| No | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salman Agha (c) | All-rounder |
| 2 | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| 3 | Babar Azam | Batter |
| 4 | Faheem Ashraf | Bowling All-rounder |
| 5 | Fakhar Zaman | Opening Batter |
| 6 | Khawaja Nafay | Batter |
| 7 | Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| 8 | Mohammad Wasim | Bowler |
| 9 | Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| 10 | Sahibzada Farhan (wk) | Middle-order Batter |
| 11 | Saim Ayub | Top-order Batter |
| 12 | Salman Mirza | Bowler |
| 13 | Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| 14 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
| 15 | Usman Khan (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 16 | Usman Tariq | Bowler |
Australia Squad – PAK vs AUS 1st T20I
| No | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Marsh (c) | All-rounder |
| 2 | Sean Abbott | Bowling All-rounder |
| 3 | Xavier Bartlett | Bowler |
| 4 | Mahli Beardman | Bowler |
| 5 | Cooper Connolly | Batting All-rounder |
| 6 | Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler |
| 7 | Jack Edwards | All-rounder |
| 8 | Cameron Green | Batting All-rounder |
| 9 | Travis Head | Middle-order Batter |
| 10 | Josh Inglis (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 11 | Matthew Kuhnemann | Bowler |
| 12 | Mitchell Owen | Middle-order Batter |
| 13 | Josh Philippe (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 14 | Matt Renshaw | Batter |
| 15 | Matthew Short | Top-order Batter |
| 16 | Marcus Stoinis | Batting All-rounder |
| 17 | Adam Zampa | Bowler |
Team Analysis & Match Preview
Pakistan enter the series with a strong focus on rebuilding momentum in the shortest format.
The return of experienced players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi adds stability,
while young talents such as Saim Ayub provide attacking intent at the top.
Australia, meanwhile, have chosen to rest several frontline stars and test their bench strength.
The inclusion of all-rounders offers flexibility, particularly on subcontinent pitches.
Leadership responsibilities fall on Mitchell Marsh, who will be key with both bat and ball.
Key Players to Watch
- Babar Azam: Pakistan’s premier batter and backbone of the lineup.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Deadly with the new ball under lights.
- Travis Head: Australia’s aggressive middle-order option.
- Adam Zampa: Expected to play a major role on turning tracks.
Series Context
This T20I series serves as an important stepping stone toward finalising team combinations
for upcoming ICC events. Pakistan aim to dominate at home, while Australia seek valuable
experience for their younger players in Asian conditions.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I sets the tone for an exciting series.
With contrasting squad strategies and high-quality players on both sides,
fans can expect competitive cricket and plenty of talking points as the tour unfolds.