LAHORE: Cricket Australia (CA) have announced their Playing XI for the opening T20I against Pakistan, scheduled to be played later today at the Gaddafi Stadium, with three uncapped players named in the lineup.

Opener Travis Head will lead the Australian side in the series opener as regular captain Mitchell Marsh has been rested to manage his workload. Marsh has been in action for several months and recently featured throughout the Big Bash League (BBL) season for champions Perth Scorchers, before arriving late in Pakistan after playing the final.

Youngsters Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards are set to make their international debuts, while Matthew Renshaw will feature in his first-ever T20I for Australia. The 29-year-old left-hander has previously represented Australia in 14 Tests and three ODIs since his international debut in 2016, making Thursday’s match his first appearance in the shortest international format.

The remaining two matches of the three-game T20I series will also be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on January 31 and February 1. All matches are scheduled to begin at 4:00pm PKT, with the toss set for 3:30pm PKT.

The series holds added importance as it serves as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia will compete 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.