1st T20I: Pakistan win toss, decide to bat first against Australia

Lahore (Web Desk): Pakistan decided to bat first after winning the toss against Australia in the opening match of their three-game T20 International series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that all three fixtures of the series will be played at the same venue, with the next two matches lined up for January 31 and February 1.

Historically, the two teams have shared a competitive rivalry in the shortest format. Out of their 28 previous T20I encounters, Australia have claimed victory in 14, while Pakistan have won 12. One contest finished in a tie, and another was abandoned without a result.

Pakistan head into the series hoping to keep their recent good form intact. The Green Shirts registered T20I series wins at home against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and then managed to hold Sri Lanka to a drawn three-match series on their own turf earlier this month.

With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, the hosts are eager to build rhythm and confidence.

Australia, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after suffering a T20I series loss to India. The touring side sees this series as a chance to regain momentum and sharpen their game as they prepare for the upcoming global tournament.

Teams

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

Australia: Travis Head (c), Matt Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman and Adam Zampa.