Pakistan and Australia are set to compete in a crucial three-match T20 series leading up to the T20 World Cup, which starts soon. The series serves as a significant preparation for Pakistan, who aim to finalize their lineup after some senior players missed recent matches against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, this series comes at a challenging time for Australia, just after the Big Bash League (BBL) and ahead of their World Cup opener on February 11.
Key Players and Selection Insights
Australia’s selectors have chosen to use this series to focus on individual skills rather than preparing their entire World Cup squad. Key players like Travis Head and Cameron Green, who both skipped the BBL, are expected to gain valuable playing time. In contrast, the team will be missing five key players, including Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who will join the squad in Sri Lanka. Captain Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis are also expected to miss the first game due to recent commitments in the BBL.
- Travis Head: Set to captain Australia, having led previously in a T20I.
- Cameron Green: Returning from rest after the Ashes; a key player for the T20 format.
Pakistan’s Squad and Expectations
The Pakistani side has all its World Cup players available for this series. The addition of Mohammad Wasim Jnr offers extra pace bowling cover. Shaheen Shah Afridi, returning from a knee injury, is expected to play a pivotal role in the bowling attack. Babar Azam’s form will be closely monitored as he aims to reclaim his position within the squad after a difficult BBL season.
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr: Added as pace-bowling cover.
- Babar Azam: Needs to improve form after scoring 202 runs at a strike rate of 103.06 in the BBL.
Match Preview and Conditions
The first match is scheduled for 4 PM local time, with the Gaddafi Stadium expected to provide fast, high-scoring conditions. Recent rain has affected the outfield’s speed, but clear weather is anticipated during the series. This factor could influence players’ performances as both teams look to lay down a marker before the World Cup.
Team Probables
Both teams are expected to experiment during the series. Here’s a look at the probable lineups:
| Pakistan (Probable) | 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Fakhar Zaman/Shadab Khan, 5. Salman Agha (capt), 6. Mohammad Nawaz, 7. Khawaja Nafay (wk), 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi/Naseem Shah, 10. Salman Mirza, 11. Abrar Ahmed |
|---|---|
| Australia (Probable) | 1. Travis Head (cap), 2. Matt Short, 3. Matt Renshaw, 4. Cameron Green, 5. Cooper Connolly, 6. Mitchell Owen/Jack Edwards, 7. Josh Philippe (wk), 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Sean Abbott/Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Mahli Beardman/Matt Kuhnemann |
As the T20 World Cup approaches, this series between Pakistan and Australia will be crucial for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, particularly for key players like Babar Azam and Cameron Green. The outcomes could significantly affect their strategies in the World Cup, making every match vital.
