PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Naseem Shah dropped; Salman Agha wins the toss and opts to bat

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I (Source:X)

Pakistan and Australia will kick off their three-match T20I series on Thursday, with the first match set to be played in Lahore. The series is seen as an important step for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

For Pakistan, the series comes at a crucial time. There have been doubts about the team’s participation in the T20 World Cup, but those concerns are expected to be resolved before or around February 2.

The 'Men in Green' have their full T20 World Cup squad available for the series, with Mohammad Wasim Jnr added as extra pace-bowling cover. 

The hosts are using the series as preparation amid uncertainty surrounding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

3 debutants for Australia in the first T20I

On the other hand, Australia have already announced their playing XI for the opening match. The visitors will field three new faces in the series opener. Jack Edwards, Mahli Beardman and Matt Renshaw are set to make their international debuts.

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh was among eight players who featured in the BBL final in Perth. 

Due to late arrival following BBL commitments, Marsh, along with Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, will miss the first T20I. In Marsh's absence, Travis Head will lead the Australian side.

The series will not feature several Australian players, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis.

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Toss update

TOSS UPDATE: Pakistan have won the toss and opt to bat

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Playing XIs

Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head (c), Matt Short, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Jack Edwards, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Captains Thoughts

Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan Captain): "We are going to bat first. Looks a bit dry, might spin later and that's what I am hoping for.

We know that and we are ready for that. We are also a good team. We just want to play well for 40 overs and we do that, we should be good.

We have 8 batting options and 6 bowling options, we are playing 2 pacers today."

Travis Head (Australia Captain): "Yeah, looks that way. Boys are ready for it, it is a big block for us. Looking forward to get started now.

Yeah, few new guys. 3 guys off good Big Bash. It is always exciting for guys to come in for their first game. It is up to us now to make it memorable for them.

Yeah, definitely. Sri Lanka has been tough for us. When we got here, we talked about being adaptable. Hopefully, a little dew comes in and it becomes easy for us."