Babar Azam Back, 2 Match-Winners Out; Pakistan ODI Squad Vs Australia Predicted

Babar Azam likely to get in; Fakhar Zaman ruled out [Source: AFP]

After a disastrous defeat to Bangladesh, Pakistan are gearing up to take on Australia in an ODI series on home soil. The three-match series commences on May 30 in Rawalpindi, with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore set to host the subsequent encounters on June 2 and 4.

The PCB selection committee will announce the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia in due course. While Cricket Australia has revealed a robust team for the ODI series, the Pakistani team might witness several bold changes, with Babar Azam tipped to make a comeback and two match-winners- Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman- sidelined due to injury.

As the stage is set for a riveting series between two teams with rich legacy, here we predict the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia.

Pakistan's predicted squad for Australia ODIs

Batters: Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Usman Khan

Sahibzada Farhan had a terrific T20 World Cup campaign, finishing the tournament as Pakistan's highest run-getter.

Despite failing against Bangladesh, Farhan is expected to retain his spot in the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia, with injury ruling out Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.

According to the emerging reports, Babar Azam will make a comeback to the ODI team for the Australia home series. The stylish batter recently had a terrific PSL campaign, amassing 588 runs at a superb average of 73.50 and a strike rate of 145.90.

If he gets an entry into the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia, Babar Azam will form the Pakistani top order alongside Sahibzada Farhan.

Also Read: Babar Azam Copies Virat Kohli With Jaw-Dropping Expression After Dismissal

Although Mohammad Rizwan struggled to get going in the Bangladesh ODIs, his impressive performance in the Test series could prompt the PCB to give him another chance to regain his mojo in 50-over cricket.

Pakistan are still searching for a dependable wicketkeeper-batter to replace Rizwan in the ODI side. This fact further strengthens Mohammad Rizwan's chances of playing the Australia series and present a strong case for his inclusion in the Pakistan 2027 World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, Usman Khan could pip Khawaja Nafay for the reserve wicketkeeper's slot, having outclassed him comprehensively in the PSL 2026.

Usman smashed 389 runs at a strike rate of 162.76, while Nafay failed miserably, managing 77 runs at a horrendous average of 9.20.

Salman Ali Agha has hammered 842 runs at an average of 49.53 across 19 ODI innings since 2025 and is expected to bolster the Pakistani middle order in the home series.

Allrounders: Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Shadab Khan, Aamir Jamal

Apart from scoring a ballistic fifty, Maaz Sadaqat exhibited exceptional bowling skills against Bangladesh, scalping a sensational three-wicket haul. He will likely make it into the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia as an allrounder and open the batting with Sahibzada Farhan.

With Mohammad Nawaz set to be removed from the PCB central contract list, Shadab Khan might enter the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia as the first-choice spin-bowling allrounder.

Saad Masood, who scored 100 runs at a strike rate of 185.19 and bagged six wickets in the PSL 2026, will likely retain his place, with Aamir Jamal being the frontrunner to replace Faheem Ashraf in the ODI setup.

Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Hunain Shah

Captain Shaheen Afridi is all set to spearhead the Pakistani bowling attack in the ODI series against Australia on home soil. The left-arm seamer will likely be assisted by Haris Rauf, who can trouble the Australian batters with his pace in the middle overs.

While Shaheen and Rauf form a potent pace attack, the experienced duo could be assisted by Hunain Shah. The right-arm speedster emerged as the wrecker-in-chief for Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, scalping 17 wickets in 10 innings.

According to reports, Sufiyan Muqeem might be included in the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia after finishing the PSL 2026 as the most successful bowler with 22 wickets.

He could be partnered by Abrar Ahmed, as Pakistan will aim to capitalise on the home advantage by picking a spin-heavy squad.

Pakistan's Predicted Squad For Australia ODIs

Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Saad Masood, Abdul Samad, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Hunain Shah