Pakistan and Australia are set to reignite their rivalry as they face off in the first T20I of the three-match series at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. With both sides packed with match-winners, fans can expect a thrilling start to the series.
Match Details: PAK vs AUS
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 |
| Match | Pakistan vs Australia, 1st T20I |
| Date | Thursday, 29 January 2026 |
| Time (IST) | 04:30 PM |
| Toss Time (IST) | 04:00 PM |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium |
| City | Lahore |
| Live Streaming | SonyLiv, FanCode |
| Live Telecast | Sony Sports Network |
Match Preview
Pakistan enter this series after a competitive tour of Sri Lanka earlier this month. The three-match T20I series ended 1-1 after rain washed out the second encounter. While the results were mixed, Pakistan showed strong intent, particularly with their batting depth and pace attack. Playing at home, the Men in Green will be keen to exploit familiar conditions and take early control of the series.
Australia, meanwhile, arrive in Pakistan high on confidence after an action-packed Big Bash League season. Several members of the squad come in with strong recent form, and the team looks well-balanced across all departments. With power hitters at the top and a varied bowling attack, Australia start the series as slight favourites - but history suggests Pakistan are never an easy opponent at home.
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is): PAK vs AUS
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Pakistan (PAK) | 13 |
| Australia (AUS) | 14 |
| No Result / Tied | 1 |
The rivalry has been closely contested, with Australia holding a narrow edge.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Uganda Could Replace Pakistan if They Withdraw
Weather & Pitch Report: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Weather Report: The weather in Lahore is expected to remain pleasant during the match, with temperatures dropping to around 12°C in the evening. Humidity is forecast to hover near 66 percent, which could aid swing bowlers under lights.
- Pitch Report: The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is known to be a batter-friendly surface. Recent matches, especially during the Pakistan Super League, have produced high-scoring contests. The ball comes nicely onto the bat, making stroke play enjoyable. Bowlers will need discipline and clever variations, as there is little margin for error on this flat track.
Probable Playing 11
Pakistan (PAK) Playing 11
1. Saim Ayub, 2. Sahibzada Farhan (wk), 3. Babar Azam, 4. Fakhar Zaman, 5. Salman Ali Agha (c), 6. Shadab Khan, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Shaheen Afridi, 10. Naseem Shah, 11. Abrar Ahmed
Australia (AUS) Playing 11
1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Cameron Green, 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Cooper Connolly, 7. Mitchell Owen, 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Matt Kuhnemann, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Ben Dwarshuis
Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)
Pakistan’s familiarity with home conditions and their strong pace trio could pose serious challenges for Australia. However, the visitors boast superior power-hitting depth and greater recent exposure to high-pressure T20 cricket.
On a flat Lahore pitch, the team that bats better under pressure is likely to gain the upper hand.
AI Match Prediction: Australia hold a slight edge, but Pakistan have a strong chance of pulling off a win if their bowlers strike early.
Also Read: RL vs DR WLP 2026, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
Disclaimer
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