ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday unveiled a balanced16-member squad for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International seriesagainst Australia, scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from January 29to February 1. The announcement comes as Pakistan’s final bilateralassignment before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup commencing February 7 inIndia and Sri Lanka. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi make notablecomebacks after sitting out the recent Sri Lanka series, injectingexperience into a lineup captained by Salman Ali Agha.
The series holds significant importance for both teams as they fine-tunestrategies and combinations for the global event. Matches are set forJanuary 29, 31 and February 1, each starting at 4pm PKT, providing fans inLahore an opportunity to witness intense cricket at one of Pakistan’shistoric venues. Australia arrives in the country on January 28, markingonly their second T20I tour to Pakistan following a single match in 2022.
Pakistan’s selection emphasizes a blend of youth and proven performers.Babar Azam’s inclusion addresses batting stability despite his recentunderwhelming Big Bash League campaign, where he managed 202 runs at astrike rate of 103.06 across 11 innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi returns from aknee ligament injury sustained during the BBL, strengthening the paceattack alongside Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. The spin departmentfeatures Shadab Khan continuing his resurgence, supported by Abrar Ahmed,Mohammad Nawaz and emerging talent Usman Tariq.
The squad also includes explosive openers like Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub,all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, and wicket-keeping optionsin Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay. Salman AliAgha’s leadership role underscores the PCB’s confidence in his recentdomestic and international contributions. Support staff comprisesexperienced personnel such as head coach Mike Hesson, bowling coach AshleyNoffke and fielding coach Shane McDermott, ensuring comprehensivepreparation starting Sunday after the team convenes in Lahore on Saturday.
Australia’s approach reflects load management priorities with fiveprominent players rested, including captain Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell,Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis. Chief selector George Baileycited injury recovery and workload concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup.This opens avenues for fringe talents like Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, BenDwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw intheir 17-member touring party.
Led by Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s squad retains core strength with TravisHead, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa. The decision to restkey bowlers and all-rounders signals a strategic focus on freshness for themarquee tournament, where Australia will compete in challengingsubcontinental conditions. This series thus serves as a testing ground foremerging players on both sides.
Pakistan’s home advantage at Gaddafi Stadium, known for its lively pitchesfavoring batsmen and spinners, could play a crucial role. The venue lasthosted Australia in a T20I in 2022, adding historical context to theencounters. With crowds expected to fill the stands, the fixtures promisehigh entertainment value and competitive cricket.
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The series outcome may influence final selections for the T20 World Cup,where Pakistan opens against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7.Australia’s group stage begins in Sri Lanka. Both teams view these matchesas vital preparation, balancing experimentation with performance validation.
Cricket enthusiasts anticipate fierce contests, with Pakistan aiming toleverage home conditions and returning stars, while Australia seeks toblood new talent effectively. The buildup has generated considerableinterest across the cricketing world.
Source:https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pakistan-unveil-16-member-squad-for-t20i-series-against-australia.html
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