PAK vs AUS Playing 11 for 1st T20I: Who will Draw First Blood?

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is around the corner, the three-match T20I series is about to take place between Australia and Pakistan. This is going to be the last T20I series for both teams before the T20 WC 2026 starts. Although the last T20I series for Australia has been filled with mixed emotions, as the last T20I series was a disappointment for them, as they lost the series at home to India.

But the Kangaroos are known for their comebacks only, and with some of the best T20 batsmen in the world like Travis Head, Matthew Short, and Mitchell Marsh on their side makes them a dangerous team. On the other hand, the hosts are going through a decent form, where they won the T20I Tri series as well as played well in the series against Sri Lanka. Players like Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and the skipper, Salman Ali Agha, have shown good form. While the team is going through a decent form, the Pakistani players must be eyeing one last series win with the help of home conditions before entering the biggest T20 tournament.

Pakistan vs Australia Match Details

The first T20I match between Australia and Pakistan is going take place on January 29, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. This match is going to start at 4:30 IST. As the due might come into play after the sun goes down, the toss will be a really crucial move for both teams.

The Australian side will be having some new faces in the squad, like Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, getting the chance after having a great domestic season. On the other hand, Pakistan is also bringing some new players out of their bag of domestic treasure, like Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, and Mohammad Salman Mirza, who might be seen in action.

PAK vs AUS Playing 11 for 1st T20I (Probable)

The playing XI of both teams will be a trial combination, which they might need to try before the real tournament starts. The kangaroos must be looking to try out the best possible combination to win this T20I series. Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis will be taking a rest for 1st T20I because of the hectic BBL season. It is likely that Australia playing 11 vs PAK might see Josh Philippe and Travis Head as the opening pair, backed by Matthew Short, who will possibly come at number three. Matthew Kuhnemann, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis will be having the responsibility of the middle order. While Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Adam Zampa are probably seeing the bowling department. The Aussie side might also see Travis Head as the skipper in the absence of Mitchell Marsh.

In the PAK Playing 11 vs Australia, the opening pair is a question, but as per the form of players, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam might open the innings for the side, while Fakhar Zaman might be seen at number three. The middle order might be taken cared by the skipper Salman Ali Agha, along with Usman Khan and Shadab Khan. The bowling department will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.