Melbourne, 3 November 2024: Mohammad Rizwan is set to lead Pakistan for the first time as white-ball captain when they face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting Monday. The opening match will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, followed by the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on 8 November, and concluding with the third ODI on 10 November at Perth Stadium.
After the ODIs, the teams will compete in a three-match T20I series scheduled for 14, 16, and 18 November.
The last ODI clash between these two sides was on 20 October during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by 62 runs at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. Their previous bilateral ODI series took place in March/April 2022, with Pakistan securing a 2-1 series win at home.
Pakistan has announced the playing XI for the first ODI, with Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub set to make their debuts. The 21-year-old Irfan has previously represented Pakistan in three T20Is, and in 24 List-A games, he has recorded one century and three half-centuries. Saim Ayub, a left-handed opener, has appeared in six Tests and 23 T20Is and has accumulated 1,472 runs in 35 List-A matches, including four centuries and seven half-centuries. The squad also features uncapped players Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, and Haseebullah.
Mohammad Rizwan on Pakistan’s preparations:
“It’s an honor to lead Pakistan, and we’re ready to face Australia on their home ground. Australia is a top team and reigning champions, but we’re excited for the challenge and eager to see our young players seize their opportunities. Our training sessions in Melbourne have been productive, and with Almighty’s support, we aim for positive results in this series. This series is the start of several ODIs that will prepare us for the ICC Champions Trophy next year at home. We hope fans turn out to support us as they have in Australia.”
Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain:
“It’s always great to have high-intensity games at the start of summer, giving our young players a strong platform. Pakistan is a solid team with proven run-scorers, and our recent games have shown it’s always a competitive matchup. We’re looking forward to a great crowd at the MCG for our clash with Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the 1st ODI (in batting order):
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.
Match Schedule:
- 4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2:30 pm local time)
- 8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2:00 pm local time)
- 10 Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth (11:30 am local time)
- 14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6:00 pm local time)
- 16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7:00 pm local time)
- 18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7:00 pm local time)
