Pakistan will take on Australia in the first T20 International today at 4:00 PM local time at Gaddafi Stadium, with Babar Azam looking to lead the hosts to victory in front of a packed home crowd.

The day-night encounter marks the start of a three-match series, with captain Salman Agha making his debut as T20I skipper against one of cricket’s most formidable teams.

Pakistan’s batting will rely heavily on explosive opener Saim Ayub, who has been in spectacular form recently, alongside veteran Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Shadab Khan.

“The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium typically offers good bounce and carry, which should suit our pace attack,” sources close to the Pakistan team said.

Australia’s Mitchell Marsh will counter with a power-packed lineup featuring Travis Head, who recently devastated bowling attacks in the Big Bash League, and hard-hitting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

The pace battle between Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah versus Australia’s batting order will be crucial to the outcome.

Pakistan last faced Australia in T20Is during the 2024 series, where the visitors dominated with their aggressive approach.

The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, followed by the series decider on Sunday, February 1, both at 4:00 PM PKT.

Cricket analysts predict high-scoring matches given the batting firepower on both sides and Lahore’s historically flat wickets.