RAWALINDI: Pakistan and Australia renew one of cricket’s most compelling rivalries when they take the field in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday (today), with both teams beginning a crucial rebuilding phase ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup in Africa.
For Pakistan, the series marks the return of experience, star power and renewed ambition as former captain Babar Azam, all-rounder Shadab Khan and pace spearhead Naseem Shah make their way back into the ODI setup after lengthy absences.
The comeback of the senior trio could not have come at a more important time for Pakistan, who are desperately seeking stability and the right balance following a disappointing 2-1 series defeat against Bangladesh earlier this month.
With just 18 months remaining before the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Pakistan appear determined to rebuild around a combination of youth and experience rather than relying solely on inexperienced talent, an experiment that failed to produce the desired results in Bangladesh.
Saturday’s match will also carry historical significance as Pakistan prepare to play their 1000th ODI, becoming only the fourth nation in world cricket to reach the milestone. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was excited at leading the team in his 1000 ODI match:
“The first ODI in Rawalpindi will be a special occasion as it marks Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI. It is an important milestone in our cricket history and we would like to celebrate it with a strong performance against Australia.
“Australia are one of the strongest teams in world cricket and contests between the two sides have always been highly competitive. Our preparations for the series have been good. The players have worked hard during the training camp and everyone is eager to contribute towards the team’s success. We have a talented group that combines experience with exciting young players.”
The return of Babar is expected to strengthen a batting line-up that looked fragile and uncertain in recent outings. Shadab Khan, meanwhile, returns to ODI cricket after almost three years, bringing with him valuable all-round skills and leadership experience. Naseem Shah’s comeback further boosts Pakistan’s pace arsenal alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Pakistan selectors have, however, continued to invest in emerging talent. Young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, pacer Ahmad Daniyal and wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir are all part of the squad as the management looks to identify long-term options for the future.
Rohail Nazir and promising youngster Ghazi Ghouri are battling for the wicketkeeping role following Mohammad Rizwan’s omission from the squad. Ironically, it was under Rizwan’s captaincy that Pakistan last defeated Australia in an ODI series at home in November 2024. Much has changed since then.
Pakistan’s ODI fortunes have fluctuated sharply, prompting selectors to revisit their strategy and bring back experienced campaigners to support the next generation. Australia, too, arrive in Rawalpindi with a fresh-look squad and several unanswered questions. The visitors suffered a major setback before the series when captain Mitchell Marsh was ruled out with a knee injury, forcing wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis to assume leadership responsibilities. Without regular stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, Australia are clearly using the series to test bench strength and groom future prospects for the 2027 World Cup.
Young batting sensation Oliver Peake, just 19 years old, and all-rounder Liam Scott are both in line for ODI debuts, while Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake will spearhead an unfamiliar pace attack in testing subcontinent conditions.
Stanlake’s return is particularly noteworthy as the towering fast bowler finds himself back in Australia’s ODI plans after nearly seven years away from international cricket. Meredith, meanwhile, continues to impress selectors with his pace and aggression and is increasingly viewed as one of Australia’s future fast-bowling leaders.
Cooper Connolly has also been drafted into the squad as Mitchell Marsh’s replacement and is expected to join the side ahead of the second ODI. Conditions in Rawalpindi are expected to present a stern challenge for both teams.
Despite the late 4:30pm start, temperature hovering around 40 degrees Celsius is likely to test the endurance and fitness of players and spectators alike. However, once the evening breeze sets in and the sun begins to fade, a sizeable crowd is expected to fill the stadium for what promises to be an exciting contest between two teams searching for momentum and direction. Pakistan will rely heavily on their experienced cricketers to exploit home conditions, while Australia’s young brigade will be eager to make a statement against a formidable opposition away from home.
With both teams entering a transitional phase, the series may well provide an early glimpse into the combinations and match-winners that could shape the next World Cup cycle.
Pakistan likely: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Ghazi Ghouri (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Sufyan Muqeem/Abrar Ahmed.
Australia (from): Josh Inglis (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa.
