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The ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa may still feel distant on the calendar, but for teams trying to build stable combinations, the timeline is already shrinking fast. Australia have a limited number of ODI matches left before the end of 2026, and this tour of Pakistan, followed immediately by Bangladesh, suddenly becomes more important than a routine bilateral assignment.

For Pakistan, the series arrives at an important moment as well. After a difficult ODI tour of Bangladesh earlier this year, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding momentum, restoring senior players to key roles and finding clarity in a side still searching for consistency in the 50-over format.

Australia, meanwhile, travel with several major absentees but also with a clear purpose. This tour is less about fielding a perfect XI and more about exploring depth, testing leadership options and identifying which players can realistically be part of the squad for South Africa in 2027.

PAK vs AUS: Pakistan bring back familiar faces after Bangladesh disappointment

Pakistan's squad feels like a deliberate correction after the Bangladesh series loss in March. Babar Azam returns after being dropped for that tour following a difficult T20 World Cup campaign. So do Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, with Shadab back in ODI colours for the first time since the 2023 World Cup.

There are also fresh names. Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal are all uncapped and represent Pakistan’s continued search for squad depth ahead of 2027.

The absence list matters too. Mohammad Rizwan, who captained Pakistan to an ODI series win in Australia not long ago, is missing. Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan are unavailable because of injury and illness, forcing Pakistan into another reshuffle at the top of the order.

PAK vs AUS: Australia arrive short-handed but experimenting for the future

Australia’s squad is missing so many senior names that it almost resembles a transition side rather than the reigning world champions.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are all absent for workload management reasons. Travis Head remains unavailable because of the IPL playoffs, while Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury during the IPL.

That leaves Josh Inglis captaining the side with an experienced support group around him including Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa.

But the tour is really about identifying possibilities. Nineteen-year-old Ollie Peake is regarded as a long-term project. Liam Scott could make his international debut after strong domestic seasons. Billy Stanlake’s return after seven years away from international cricket is another notable story, especially with Australia looking closely at tall pace bowlers who could suit South African conditions in 2027.

Cooper Connolly, initially unavailable because of Punjab Kings’ expected IPL playoff involvement, will now join the squad later in the series as Marsh’s replacement.

PAK vs AUS ODI Series Schedule

The three-match ODI series begins in Rawalpindi before shifting to Lahore for the final two games. All matches are scheduled to start at 4:30 PM local time to reduce the impact of the extreme afternoon heat, although dew is expected to become a major factor later in the evening.

1st ODI - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Saturday, May 30, 2026

2nd ODI - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Tuesday, June 2, 2026

3rd ODI - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Friday, June 5, 2026

PAK vs AUS ODI squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Ghazi Ghouri.

Australia: Josh Inglis (c & wk), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matthew Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa.

PAK vs AUS telecast and live streaming details

In India, the Pakistan vs Australia ODI series will not be broadcast on any traditional television channels. However, you can catch the live streaming of all matches via the Sports TV YouTube channel.

Cricket fans in Pakistan can watch the live streaming of the series for free through the official 'PCB Live' OTT website and mobile app.

For viewers in the Australia region, Fox Cricket will provide the exclusive live telecast on TV (Channel 501), while Kayo Sports and Foxtel Now will handle the live streaming.

Also READ: Australia appoint new ODI captain for Pakistan series after Mitchell Marsh injury blow