KARACHI: Pakistan and Australia are set to kick off a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series from Saturday, with the opening match scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Following a Test series whitewash against Bangladesh, the Green Shirts now face a tougher challenge against Australia on home soil. The series presents a fresh test for Pakistan as they take on a different format and a higher-ranked opponent.
The first ODI will be played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are set to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Australia will be led by Josh Inglis, with key players including Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and Adam Zampa in the squad. However, the visitors have been dealt a setback with Mitchell Marsh ruled out, further increasing their challenges on the tour.
Despite recent inconsistencies, Pakistan will look to capitalize on home conditions against a relatively weakened Australian side. The hosts are expected to field a mix of senior and young players, while Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will not be part of the series.
Although Australia hold an advantage in head-to-head records, Pakistan will enter the series as slight favorites, having defeated the Kangaroos at home in 2022 and in Australia in 2024.
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The opening match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm on Saturday. Pakistan will be aiming to complete a rare series hat-trick against Australia.
