LAHORE: Cricket Australia has announced the Playing XI for the first T20I against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, with three players making their international debut. The first match of the three-match series is expected to begin at 4:00pm PKT, with the toss taking place at 3:30pm.
Australia’s regular captain Mitchell Marsh has been left out of the Playing XI to manage his workload, with opener Travis Head taking over as captain for the first match of the series. Marsh, who recently completed a full season with the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, arrived in Pakistan late after the final of the BBL.
Australia’s Playing XI includes debutants Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, with Matthew Renshaw making his first appearance in a T20I, in addition to his 14 Tests and three ODIs since 2016. The 29-year-old left-handed batter should provide a boost to Australia’s middle order in the shortest format of the game.
The series, to be played on January 29, 31, and February 1 at the same venue, will act as a warm-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held from February 7 to March 8, with India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the event.
Travis Head, who is standing in as captain for the match, said, “We’re looking forward to getting the series underway and giving some of our new players an opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage.”
For Pakistan, the series will provide an opportunity to test their combinations before the World Cup, while Australia will look to mix and match new talent with workload management in mind due to the busy international calendar.
Given that both teams are looking to fine-tune their plans, Thursday’s match should provide a glimpse into what the World Cup lineups might look like.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia will feature in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
Australia Playing XI vs Pakistan
Travis Head (c), Matt Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Adam Zampa.
