Pakistan looks to capitalize against understrength Australia

Pakistan will mark their 1000th One-Day International when they host Australia in the first match of a three-game ODI series on Saturday, May 30, in Rawalpindi. Pakistan has named a squad focused on youth development, with Babar Azam returning and Mohammad Rizwan dropped, as both sides begin building toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.

What is Pakistan's ODI series record against Australia?

Pakistan have won their last two ODI series against Australia, including a 2-1 home win in 2022. Before that run, Pakistan lost seven consecutive series against Australia. The visitors have not won an ODI series in Pakistan since 1998, which adds context to Australia's challenge as they arrive with several senior players rested.

Who will open the batting for Pakistan in the ODI series against Australia?

Pakistan are expected to continue with Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat as their opening pair, a combination that featured in the final ODI against Bangladesh. The return of Babar Azam is likely to reshape the middle order, with Babar reclaiming his customary number three position. That shift may push Shamyl Hussain out of the playing eleven despite his inclusion in the squad.

Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, who scored 29 on his ODI debut against Bangladesh at number three, is expected to move down to number four. His repositioning is a direct consequence of Rizwan's omission, which has opened space for younger combinations. The management has been transparent about its intent to test new personnel and identify players who can anchor the batting order long-term.

Why was Mohammad Rizwan dropped from Pakistan's ODI squad?

Rizwan's omission is one of the most discussed decisions ahead of the series. Pakistan's selectors appear to be shifting focus toward younger wicketkeeping options following his recent form. The move reflects a broader strategy by Hesson to reduce reliance on established names and give emerging players competitive exposure at international level.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha is expected to bat at number five, a position where he has shown consistency in recent months. Pakistan's management has openly identified the middle and late overs as an area requiring improvement, particularly around strike rate. Abdul Samad could therefore feature at number six, given his power-hitting ability and finishing skills.

Who will fill Pakistan's all-rounder slot against Australia?

The all-rounder position has generated significant debate in the lead-up to the series. Hesson was questioned at a pre-series press conference about the absence of a fast-bowling all-rounder, particularly relevant given the 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa. The coach responded that conditions in Pakistan currently suit spin-bowling all-rounders more than seam options, and that the tournament remains some time away.

Either Shadab Khan or Arafat Minhas is likely to feature at number seven. Shadab brings experience and balance, while Arafat is one of the uncapped players Pakistan is keen to develop further. Hesson also indicated that Ahmed Daniyal is being monitored as a potential fast-bowling all-rounder for the future, meaning he could factor into team selection depending on conditions and balance.

Pakistan's pace attack is expected to be led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah completing the seam trio. Abrar Ahmed is set to serve as the specialist spinner.

What does Australia's squad look like for the Pakistan ODI series?

Australia arrive with a significantly reshuffled squad. Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out with an ankle injury sustained during the IPL, with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis stepping in as captain. Batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly has been added to the touring group, and emerging pacer Ollie Peake is expected to make his international debut during the series.

The visitors will also be without their first-choice pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision to rest the senior fast bowlers is part of a deliberate workload management plan ahead of a demanding 2027 schedule. Despite those absences, Australia carry considerable depth and remain a difficult opponent in any format.

Earlier in 2026, Pakistan swept Australia 3-0 in a T20I series in Lahore, a result that will sharpen Australian motivation heading into this encounter. With Pakistan celebrating their 1000th ODI, a new generation of players pushing for regular spots, and Australia fielding a fresh-look side, the Rawalpindi opener carries significance well beyond a routine bilateral fixture. Both sides are using this series to answer real questions about their direction ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.