Get ready for an exciting cricket showdown as Pakistan takes on Australia in a thrilling T20I series! This three-match series in Lahore is a crucial stepping stone for Australia's T20 World Cup preparations and a chance for some new talent to shine.
The Battle for Cricket Supremacy
Australia's squad features some fresh faces, including Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, who are eager to make their international debuts. Matthew Renshaw is also aiming to become a three-format international player for his country.
After this series, Australia will head to Sri Lanka for a warm-up match against Pakistan before kicking off their World Cup campaign on February 11.
Series Schedule and How to Watch
The first T20I will be played on January 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, starting at 10 pm AEDT (4 pm PKT). The second and third matches will follow on January 31 and February 1, respectively, at the same venue and time.
You can catch all the action on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Sign up for a free trial of Kayo Sports to ensure you don't miss a single moment!
For those who want to stay updated on the go, cricket.com.au and the CA Live app are your go-to sources for all the latest news, highlights, and reactions during Australia's T20 tour of Pakistan and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The Squads: A Battle of Talent
Australia's squad includes captain Mitch Marsh, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, and more. Notably, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis are missing due to injuries, while Glenn Maxwell has opted out of this tour.
Pakistan's team is led by Salman Ali Agha and features star batter Babar Azam, who recently joined the squad after his BBL campaign. Left-arm bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recovered from a knee injury, is also a key player for Pakistan.
Local Knowledge and Rapid Stats
Here are some quick facts to get you up to speed:
- Australia has won their last two multi-game bilateral men's T20I series against Pakistan, and they also won the one-off T20I in 2022.
- Pakistan is on an unbeaten run in their last three multi-game bilateral men's T20I series.
- Australia is undefeated in their last five multi-game bilateral men's T20I series away from home.
- Pakistan has won their last six men's T20Is at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
- Australia's batters have an impressive boundary-scoring rate in men's T20Is since 2025.
- Pakistan's batting dot ball rate is one of the highest among ICC full member teams.
- Australia's Tim David and Cameron Green have impressive batting strike rates during the Powerplay.
- Adam Zampa has an exceptional bowling average during the death overs in men's T20Is since 2025.
Players to Watch: The Rising Stars
Keep an eye on these players who are set to make an impact:
- Sahibzada Farhan: The right-handed batter has been in great form and will lead Pakistan's top order. He made his international debut against Australia in 2018 and has since become a key player.
- Ben Dwarshuis: Coming off a successful BBL campaign, Dwarshuis will use this series as a platform to push for more Aussie honors. He offers a unique left-arm pace option and has been named as a potential replacement for Pat Cummins.
Form Guide: Recent Results
Australia: NLLWNWNWWL
Pakistan: LNWWLWWWWW
Australia's recent form has been a mixed bag, with a series loss to India over the summer. However, they have shown strong performances in New Zealand and against South Africa. Pakistan, on the other hand, lost their last series against Sri Lanka but won a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Onto the T20 World Cup
After this series, Australia will gear up for the World Cup in Colombo. Their group stage fixtures include matches against Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman. The Super Eight fixtures will see them face West Indies, India, and South Africa.
All matches will be broadcast on Amazon's Prime Video, so make sure to tune in and support your favorite team!
