Mohammad Rizwan keen to fine-tune team combinations ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan is set to lead the side in a three-match ODI series against Australia, starting Monday. This series marks the beginning of Pakistan's journey toward the ICC Champions Trophy, which the country will host next year.

Rizwan, who replaced Babar Azam as Pakistan's white-ball captain last week, has emphasized the importance of the upcoming series in preparing the team for the Champions Trophy.

“We are scheduled to play a good number of ODIs before next year’s ICC Champions Trophy back in Pakistan," Rizwan said in a statement released by the PCB on the eve of the first ODI.

“The forthcoming series beginning with Australia, then Zimbabwe, South Africa and the home tri-nation tournament will help us assemble the right combination going into the mega event."

Pakistan last won the Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating rivals India in a memorable final. With this year’s squad reset, Pakistan aims to refine its team composition and strategy.

For the series opener, Pakistan has included debutants Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub, showcasing a blend of new talent and experienced players. The playing XI for Pakistan features Rizwan as captain and wicketkeeper, with key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah anchoring the lineup.

Australia, meanwhile, has also announced its XI, introducing a fresh opening duo of Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, with Pat Cummins leading the squad.

Pakistan XI: Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia XI: Pat Cummins (captain), Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.