Australia T20I series key to finalising World Cup XI: Salman Ali Agha

LAHORE: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha on Wednesday said the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia would play a crucial role in finalising the team’s playing XI for the T20 World Cup.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference in Lahore, Agha said the series would give the team clarity ahead of the global event.
“We are moving in our own direction. The next three matches are very important. This series will give us a good idea about our 11 players,” he said.

Emphasising collective performance, the right-handed batter said the team was focused on following its own process rather than external pressure or individual stardom. He also urged the media to broaden its focus beyond Babar Azam.

“I hope there are no questions about Babar. There are 14 other players in the squad. Talk about them as well and let him focus on batting,” Agha said.

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The Pakistan captain underlined that roles within the team were clearly defined and adaptability would be key during matches.
“If the team needs a run rate of six, I will play accordingly. If it needs 10, I will adjust. You have to play according to the team’s requirements,” he added.

Agha said Australia would remain a tough opponent despite the absence of some key players, describing the series as an important opportunity for Pakistan.
“Australia’s mindset doesn’t change. Even without their main players, they remain competitive. For us, this is a chance to win the series,” he said, adding that Usman Tariq could emerge as a key player.

The three-match T20I series will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with the first match scheduled for Thursday. The second and third T20Is will be held on January 31 and February 1. The toss is set for 5:30pm PKT, with play starting at 6:00pm PKT.

The series will serve as vital preparation for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia are in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

Earlier, the trophy for the Pakistan-Australia T20I series was unveiled by Agha and Australia captain Mitchell Marsh ahead of the press conference.

Historically, Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T20 internationals, with Australia winning 14 matches and Pakistan 12, while one match ended in a tie and another produced no result.