The first T20I between Pakistan and Australia kicks off the Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM local time (6:30 PM IST). Expect a batting-friendly pitch with good bounce and early help for pacers using the new ball, while cool evening weather around 18-20°C with moderate humidity, light winds, and no rain promises ideal playing conditions.
This clash serves as a crucial warm-up for the T20 World Cup starting soon after, letting both sides test combinations ahead of the subcontinent showdown. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to solidify their lineup post the recent Sri Lanka series draw, with full World Cup squad available including returns like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Australia, fresh off BBL success, uses it to blood young talent like Mahli Beardman while giving Travis Head captaincy experience, despite missing stars like Mitchell Marsh initially.
Pakistan heads in with mixed momentum, drawing 1-1 against Sri Lanka earlier this month after a rain-hit series where Salman Ali Agha shone but they struggled in chases (LWWLW last five). Australia carries stronger recent vibes from whitewashing Pakistan 3-0 in late 2024 and other series wins heading into the World Cup (LLWWW), though travel fatigue might play a part.
Head-to-Head
Pakistan and Australia have faced off 28 times in T20Is, with Australia edging ahead at 14 wins to Pakistan’s 13, and one no-result. Australia has dominated lately, winning the last five meetings: by 7 wickets (Nov 18, 2024), 13 runs (Nov 16, 2024), 29 runs (Nov 14, 2024), 3 wickets (Apr 5, 2022), and 5 wickets (Nov 11, 2021).
PAK vs AUS Match Details
- Match: 1st T20 Match
- Teams: Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20
- Date: 29 January 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM 11:00 AM GMT / 4:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
PAK vs AUS Live Streaming Info
Catch the live action of Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I today on PTV Sports for TV broadcast in Pakistan.
Streaming Options
In Pakistan, stream free on apps like Tamasha, Tapmad, and Myco, with the PCB Official App also available. Internationally, Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV cover it in India; Willow TV and Fubo in the US/Canada; Fox Sports and Kayo in Australia; and PCB live for UK regions.
- For viewers in Pakistan, the Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I is live on PTV Sports and A Sports, with free streaming options like Tamasha, Tapmad, Myco, and the PCB Official app making it easy to catch every ball.
- Australians can tune into Fox Sports or Foxtel on Fox Cricket, or stream via Kayo Sports for uninterrupted coverage.
- In India, Sony Sports Network has select telecast while Sony LIV and SportsTV YouTube provide online access.
- North America gets Willow TV and Fubo streaming, the UK relies on PCB Live and Pakistan Live app, MENA regions use Cricbuzz for both TV and streaming, and Sub-Saharan Africa watches on SuperSport.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
Watch the Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I for free in Pakistan on PTV Sports via any TV or free-to-air dish, and stream it live without cost on Tamasha web/app, Myco, and the PCB Official app across all devices.
Live Streaming Info:
The 1st T20 will be live on Ptv Sports
Live Score Info:
Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20 Live Score on Espn and Cricbuzz Live Score update ball by ball.
Probable XIs
Pakistan Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Australia Probable XI: Travis Head (capt), Matt Short, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman.
Pakistan’s strength lies in a balanced attack with Abrar Ahmed leading spin and pace duo Shaheen Afridi-Naseem Shah, but batting depth beyond openers has been shaky lately. Weaknesses include Babar’s low strike rate in recent T20Is (around 109 at No.3) and middle-order collapses seen vs Sri Lanka. Key players: Sahibzada Farhan (recent run-machine), Salman Agha (captain, explosive cameos), and Shadab Khan for all-round impact.
Australia boasts explosive top-order power and spin variety with Adam Zampa, making them strong chasers, but missing Marsh, Inglis, and Cummins early exposes seam bowling depth. Their weakness could be inexperience in subcontinent conditions for fringe players like Matt Renshaw. Standouts include Travis Head (top batter vs Pak), Cameron Green (returning all-rounder post-rest), and Xavier Bartlett (key pacer).
Prediction
Australia’s recent dominance in the rivalry and deeper batting firepower give them a slight edge, especially if Head fires upfront on a flat Gaddafi track, predicting a close win chasing 170-180. Pakistan’s home advantage and full-strength bowling could flip it if Babar strikes big early.