The cricket fever is back! Pak vs Aus T20 Series 2026 are ready to clash in an exciting three-match T20 series starting this month. This series comes right before the big T20 World Cup 2026.
Both teams want to test their players and finalize their strategies. For fans, this means non-stop entertainment and thrilling cricket action at Lahore’s famous stadium.
Let me tell you everything about this exciting series!
When and Where Will the Matches Happen?
All three T20 matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
Here are the exact dates:
- 1st T20I: January 29, 2026 (Wednesday)
- 2nd T20I: January 31, 2026 (Friday)
- 3rd T20I: February 1, 2026 (Saturday)
The Australian team will arrive in Lahore on January 28, 2026. They’ll get one day to settle in before the first match.
Match Timings
All matches will start at 6:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). The coin toss will happen at 5:30 PM PST. Pakistan Cricket Board.
This timing is perfect for fans. You can finish your day’s work and enjoy the match in the evening with family and friends.
Why This Series Is Important?
This series is not just any cricket tournament. Both teams are preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026 which starts on February 7.
The World Cup will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play their opening match against Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. ICC Cricket.
Pakistan Squad: Big Names Are Back
Pakistan announced their 16-player squad on January 23, 2026. The team looks strong and balanced.
Captain and Key Players
Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan team in this series. He has been doing a good job as captain recently.
Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the squad after missing the Sri Lanka series. ESPNcricinfo These two superstars were playing in Australia’s Big Bash League.
Full Pakistan Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Babar Azam
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Fakhar Zaman
- Naseem Shah
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Salman Mirza
- Usman Khan
- Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Wicketkeeper)
- Usman Tariq
- Sahibzada Farhan
Missing Players
Interestingly, Haris Rauf is not in the squad. He was the highest wicket-taker in the Big Bash League with 20 wickets, but still didn’t get selected. ESPNcricinfo
Mohammad Rizwan also seems to be missing from this lineup. The team management is trying new combinations.
Australia Squad: Mix of Experience and Youth
Australia announced a 17-player squad with Mitchell Marsh as captain. Cricket Australia The team has both experienced stars and exciting young players.
Missing Big Names
Three important players won’t come to Pakistan:
- Pat Cummins – Still recovering from rest after the Ashes
- Josh Hazlewood – Injured his hamstring in November
- Tim David – Hurt his hamstring in late December
These three players are building their fitness and will join the T20 World Cup squad later in Sri Lanka. ICC Cricket
Australia’s Full Squad:
- Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Cameron Green
- Sean Abbott
- Xavier Bartlett
- Mahli Beardman (Uncapped)
- Cooper Connolly
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Jack Edwards (Uncapped)
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Mitchell Owen
- Josh Philippe
- Matthew Renshaw
- Marcus Stoinis
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
Rising Stars to Watch
Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards are uncapped players who impressed in the Big Bash League and earned their call-up. Cricket Australia
Beardman is a fast bowler from Perth Scorchers. Edwards is a young gun from Sydney Sixers. Both will be eager to prove themselves at the international level.
What’s at Stake?
Both teams want to win this series for several reasons:
For Pakistan:
- Build confidence before the World Cup
- Test new players in match situations
- Give Shaheen and Babar match practice after BBL
- Show fans they’re ready for the big tournament
For Australia:
- Give opportunities to young players
- Try different team combinations
- Keep players match-fit before World Cup
- Test themselves in subcontinent conditions
How to Watch the Series?
Television:
- In Pakistan: PTV Sports, A Sports, and Ten Sports will broadcast all matches live PSLCircket.com.
- In Australia: Check Channel 7 or Fox Sports for coverage and PSLCircket.com.
Match Format and Rules
Standard T20 international rules will apply:
- Each team bats for maximum 20 overs
- Powerplay for first 6 overs
- Each bowler can bowl maximum 4 overs
- DLS method applies if rain interrupts
- Team winning most matches wins the series
Key Battles to Watch
Some individual contests will be fascinating:
Babar Azam vs Adam Zampa: Can Pakistan’s best batsman handle Australia’s best spinner?
Shaheen Afridi vs Travis Head: Fast bowling against aggressive batting. Who will come out on top?
Mitchell Marsh vs Pakistan Spinners: Australia’s captain against Shadab, Nawaz, and Abrar.
Fakhar Zaman vs Australian Fast Bowlers: Power hitting against pace and bounce.
These mini-battles within the match make cricket so exciting!
Final Thoughts
The Pak vs Aus T20 Series 2026 promises three days of exciting cricket. Both teams are strong and evenly matched.
Pakistan has home advantage and passionate fans. Australia has experience and quality players.
The matches will be close and thrilling. Every ball will matter. Every run will count.
Mark these dates on your calendar:
- January 29 – First T20I
- January 31 – Second T20I
- February 1 – Third T20I
Don’t miss any match! This is your chance to see world-class cricketers in action before the World Cup.
May the best team win, and may cricket fans enjoy every moment of this wonderful series!
