Pakistan on Thursday opted to bat after winning the toss against Australia as the two begin a T20I series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Australian captain Mitchell Marsh were present at the toss, which the former won.

“Pakistan elect to bat first against Australia in the three-match T20I series opener at Gaddafi Stadium,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on X.

The Australian cricket team arrived in Lahore on Wednesday, marking the third time they have toured Pakistan. The tour was announced earlier this month.

All three matches are scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1, the PCB said in a statement.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Wednesday, Marsh praised Pakistan’s team and said Australia was excited about the challenge of playing them on home soil in preparation for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Agha also addressed a press conference yesterday where he stressed the importance of the series, saying, “There are some boxes that need to be ticked — this is one of those series where we will tick all boxes”.

Agha said that an effort had been made to prepare the same kind of pitches that would be expected in Sri Lanka.

The two teams played a three-match Test and an ODI series in March-April 2022, followed by a solitary T20I where they bagged a close three-wicket win at Gaddafi Stadium.

Australia also played three of their 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.