1st T20I of 2026 series Pakistan and Australia It serves as a vital dress rehearsal for the Gaddafi Stadium ICC Men’s T20 World Cupstarts for more than a week. With both teams testing new talent and returning stalwarts, this clash under the lights of Lahore promises to be a high-stakes affair.
Pakistan enters the series in the lead Salman Ali Agha. The big news for homeowners is the turnaround Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to the national side. Both spent the beginning of the year playing in Australia Big Bash League (BBL). While their presence adds huge firepower, their recent T20 form is a matter of debate – Babar has struggled with strike rates and Sahin has been unusually expensive during his BBL stint.
led by Australia Mitchell Marshcame up with a squad that balanced experienced core players with “BBL breakout” stars. Heavyweights like it Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell It’s time off to manage the pre-World Cup workload, opening the door for off-the-cuff quick jobs like this one Mahli Beardman and versatile Jack Edwards.
PAK vs AUS 1st T20I, Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fahim Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Nasim Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Tariq Khan, Usman Tariq Khan
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, Adam Zampais
Also READ: Babar Azam returns, Haris Rauf announces squad for Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026
Gaddafi stadium pitch report
Gaddafi Stadium has recently been renovated, but its identity as a “batting paradise” remains. A straight deck where the ball comes to the bat beautifully. Historically around 165-175, but with short boundaries and evening dew, north of 190 might be needed to feel safe. Chasing is preferred here in night games because of the potential dew factor that makes it difficult for spinners to catch the ball in the second innings.
Gaddafi Stadium Statistics and Records
- Total T20I Matches: 34
- Matches won in the first innings: 20
- Matches won in bowling: 14
- Average 1st Shot Score: 164
- Average 2nd Shot Score: 147
- Highest total recorded: 209/3 (20 Overs) England vs Pakistan
- Lowest Overall Record: 94/10 (15.3 Overs) New Zealand v Pakistan
- Highest Score Pursued: 197/3 (17.2 Overs) Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Lowest score defended: 126/7 (20 Overs) Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women
Also READ: Fans troll Pakistan cricket after cheeky India reference in PAK vs AUS T20I series promo.
