Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I:The cricketing world’s attention is firmly on Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Pakistan and Australia are locking horns in the first T20 International (T20I) of their three-match series on Thursday, 29 January 2026. The upcoming match has high importance because both teams are preparing their final lineups for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I: Venue & Match Timings
The 1st T20I starts at 4:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM GMT / 4:00 PM Local Pakistan Time with the toss scheduled at 4:00 PM IST. The match is being played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan Predicted XI
Pakistan head into the match with a balanced lineup featuring big hitters and seasoned bowlers. The core squad which sources suggest is likely to appear in the upcoming match will show some changes from the official XI which will be announced before the toss.
- Saim Ayub
- Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
Australia Predicted XI
Travis Head is leading the side, with several players making their mark:
- Travis Head (c)
- Matt Short
- Cameron Green
- Cooper Connolly
- Matt Renshaw
- Josh Philippe (wk)
- Jack Edwards
- Adam Zampa
- Xavier Bartlett
- Mahli Beardman
- Mitchell Owen
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Pitch Report: What to Expect in Lahore?
The Gaddafi Stadium deck is traditionally one of the friendliest surfaces for batters in Pakistan. Here’s what experts are observing:
- Flat and batting-friendly surface with true bounce, which helps stroke-makers play freely.
- Early pacers may get slight movement, but spin tends to come into play in the middle overs.
- Dew later in the evening could aid teams chasing under lights.
Where to Watch Live Around the World?
Watching this exciting clash live obviously matters to cricket fans everywhere, here’s how and where you can catch the action:
In Pakistan
PTV Sports, A Sports, Tamasha, Tapmad, and Myco apps/websites will provide full live broadcast and streaming coverage.
In India
There is no live TV telecast on Indian channels due to broadcasting restrictions.
Fans in India can stream live online via the Sports TV YouTube channel free access but subject to availability.
Rest of the World
United Kingdom: Pakistan Live app streaming.
Australia: FOX Cricket and Kayo Sports for live coverage.
Bangladesh: T Sports coverage.
North America: Willow TV broadcast.
MENA region: Cricbuzz streaming options.
