Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, 1st ODI. Image Credits- AFP
After receiving a massive beating from Bangladesh in Tests, Pakistan will look to revamp themselves with a different set of strategies under a different leadership group.
With Shaheen Afridi and Mike Hesson at the reins, the Men in Green will take on the touring Australia in the first of a three-match ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The reigning World Champions, Australia, are set to tour Pakistan for a bilateral 50-over series after a four-year hiatus. The last time they toured the Asian country, it was the Men in Green who triumphed over the Aussies by 2-1.
As the countdown to the 2027 World Cup begins, this bilateral against the defending champions is crucial for the hosts. Thus, let us look at the best-suited Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, 1st ODI.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia – 1st ODI, AUS tour of PAK
Top Order: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam
With Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub out with their respective injuries, Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat will be tested in the Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, 1st ODI. The two have opened together in ODIs during the tour of Bangladesh, but a lot will be expected from them in this home series.
Although the form has been on the side for both Farhan and Sadaqat, the ODI format would bring a whole different challenge to the duo as compared to the ones the face in T20s.
Babar Azam is going to be the linchpin of the Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, especially after the way he batted in the two innings of the last Test match. He is making a return to the ODI setup, and he will be a crucial part of the setup.
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Middle Order & All-Rounders: Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Ghazi Ghori
Salman Ali Agha has awesome numbers when it comes to the ODI format. He enjoys an average of 45.23 and bats at a strike rate nearing 100 after 50 matches. The Pakistan T20I captain struggled in the PSL, but he was the best batter in their previous ODI series. Thus, an experienced batter like Agha could play an important role in the Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, 1st ODI.
This Pakistan management has always backed Abdul Samad, despite the mediocre returns. The explosive all-rounder, who can offer a little with his spin bowling, will likely be picked for the 1st match vs Australia, especially after the PSL season he had.
Shadab Khan was one of the finest performers in the PSL 2026, returning with 173 runs and 17 wickets in 10 matches. The all-rounder can bring immense balance to the Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia with his three-dimensional skill set.
Ghazi Ghori, who made his ODI debut in the last match that Pakistan played, returned with a stylish 29 in the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh, but in vain. The wicketkeeper has a poor average of 21.36 in List-A cricket, but he has been touted as Pakistan's future.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem
Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan ODI captain, will be the cornerstone of their bowling attack. Considered their premier fast bowler, but the left-arm quick's numbers have taken a nosedive since made the skipper. His bowling average has risen to 39.00 while captaining Pakistan, compared to 24.28 when he was not. There is no debate about Shaheen’s place in the Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, 1st ODI, but he would need to improve his stats.
Both Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf did not have such a great time in the PSL 2026 as per their set standards. However, the two seamers are still the best ODI bowlers present in the country. Thus, he will be a part of the playing lineup.
Sufiyan Muqeem was the best bowler of the PSL 2026, taking 22 wickets as his side triumphed in the league. There can be a toss-up between Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, but the left-arm leggie's form might give him the nod. Moreover, with Shadab in the Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, the right-arm leg-spinner might be seen warming the bench.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia, 1st ODI- Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem.
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