The 1st T20I of the 2026 series between Pakistan and Australia at Gaddafi Stadium serves as a vital dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which kicks off in just over a week. With both teams experimenting with fresh talent and returning stalwarts, this clash under the Lahore lights promises high-stakes preparation.
Pakistan enter the series under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha. The big news for the hosts is the return of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to the national side. Both spent the early part of the year in Australia playing in the Big Bash League (BBL). While their presence adds immense firepower, their recent T20 form is a point of discussion—Babar struggled with strike rates, and Shaheen was unusually expensive during his BBL stint.
Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, has arrived with a squad that balances experienced core players with “BBL breakout” stars. Heavyweights like Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell are being rested to manage workloads before the World Cup, opening the door for uncapped quicks like Mahli Beardman and the versatile Jack Edwards.
PAK vs AUS 1st T20I, Squads
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
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
Also READ: Babar Azam returns, Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium has recently undergone renovations, but its identity as a “batting paradise” remains. A flat deck where the ball comes onto the bat nicely. Historically around 165-175, but with the short boundaries and evening dew, a score north of 190 might be necessary to feel safe. Chasing has been preferred in night games here due to the potential dew factor making the ball difficult for spinners to grip in the second innings.
Gaddafi Stadium Stats & Records
- Total T20I Matches: 34
- Matches won batting first: 20
- Matches won bowling first: 14
- Average 1st Innings Score: 164
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 147
- Highest Total Recorded: 209/3 (20 Ovs) By England vs Pakistan
- Lowest Total Recorded: 94/10 (15.3 Ovs) By New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Highest Score Chased: 197/3 (17.2 Ovs) By Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Lowest Score Defended: 126/7 (20 Ovs) By Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women
Also READ: Fans troll Pakistan cricket after cheeky India reference in PAK vs AUS T20I series promo
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