Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the first of three T20Is being played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The three games in four days will give both teams a valuable tune-up ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.
“Pakistan elect to bat first against Australia in the three-match T20I series opener at Gaddafi Stadium,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on X.
Speaking at the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the pitch seemed dry, so he expected less turn in the first inning. Noting that Australia were a “quality side”, he affirmed that the Green Shirts were prepared as well.
Australian player Travis Head, who was at the toss, said his team was looking forward to the match. He stressed the need to be “adaptable”, acknowledging that the game was great preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Team Australia is without experienced Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell, who are all set to join the World Cup squad.
This is because Australian selectors are keen to see how the younger players handle the pressure ahead of finalizing their World Cup plans. Mitch Marsh will lead the team as captain for the series.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have their full World Cup squad available for the three-match series, with Mohammad Wasim Junior added as extra pace-bowling cover for the Australia tour.
Haris Rauf is not part of the squad, while Shaheen Shah Afridi returns from a knee injury.
All eyes will be on Babar Azam, following his poor Big Bash League campaign.
How he fits into the batting order will be closely watched ahead of the World Cup.
Out of 28 T20Is Pakistan and Australia have played against each other so far; Pakistan have won 12, while Australia 14.
Australia has already won a T20I at Qaddafi Stadium.
Similarly, both countries have played nine T20I series; Australia won five, while Pakistan won four.
Pakistan won the series in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2018.
Squads:
Australia: Mitch Marsh (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa.
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.
On the other hand, foolproof security arrangements have been made for the T20I series between Pakistan and Australia.
Over 6,000 police officials and jawans, including nine SPs, 25 DSPs, 73 SHOs, 351 upper subordinates and 188 lady constables, will perform duties.
Similarly, over 1,000 traffic wardens will perform duties as well.
CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana said on Thursday that throughout the city the security would remain on a high alert in view of the match.
The CCPO directed the police officials to remain in contact with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and concerned departments.
Kamyana said that the bodies of all spectators would be frisked before entry in the stadium. “Ladies constables will check the female spectators,” he added.
He also directed that effective steps should be taken for the smooth flow of traffic during all three matches to be played at the venue.
He directed that there should be proper surveillance to ensure security through Safe City Authority and other control rooms.
The CCPO said that the personnel of the Elite Force and Dolphin Force should patrol the areas around the venue for the match.
Reporters: Wasim Ahmad and Irfan Malik