All you need to know: T20 tri-series

The series

One of the shorter series on the international calendar, this campaign begins on Sunday and will be all over in just a week. Each team will play the other twice before the top two ranked teams will face off in a final, with all matches to be played at the Harare Sports Club. There will be seven games in total, one played each day between July 1-6 before the final on July 8.

The fixtures

July 1: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 2: Pakistan vs Australia

July 3: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 5: Pakistan vs Australia

July 6: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 8: Final

The teams

Australia

Much of the focus on the Australian side in recent weeks has been on who won't be playing as much as who will be. The Aussies are without arguably seven first-choice for the series - Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Chris Lynn, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins - due to either injury or suspension with Aaron Finch to captain the team alongside his deputy, international rookie Alex Carey. While the squad is missing several big names, 10 members of the touring party were part of the side that won five games from five in a tri-series earlier this year.

Squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth

Pakistan

The world's No.1 ranked T20 side, Pakistan go into the series in form but without several key players. Opener Babar Azam, the world's top-ranked T20 batsman, is missing due to injury, as is wily spinner Imad Wasim, ranked ninth in the world. Paceman Mohammad Amir will be there, despite reports that he would be rested, while uncapped opener Sahibzada Farhan has been picked for the first time.

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan.

Zimbabwe

Like the Aussies, the Zimbabwean players who won't be part of this series have dominated the headlines leading into the tournament. Several top players are in a dispute with administrators and big guns Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine all won't be playing. It's forced a late change of captain, with Hamilton Masakadza named as skipper 24 hours before the tournament opener, while they also have a new coach in the form of former Indian player Lalchand Rajput.

Squad: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Cephas Zhuwao, Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Tarisai Musakanda, Malcolm Waller, PJ Moor, Tendai Chisoro, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Mpofu, Ryan Burl, Solomon Mire, Wellington Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Ryan Murray

The form guide (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Australia: LWWWW

Pakistan: WWWWW

Zimbabwe: WLLLL

The rankings

The series pits the world's top-ranked T20 side (Pakistan) against the No.3 in the world (Australia) and Zimbabwe, who are a lowly 12th. While Pakistan have a solid eight-point lead on top of the rankings, an unbeaten campaign from the Aussies - like they did against England and New Zealand earlier this year - will see them claim top spot. Pakistan have won a record eight consecutive T20 series and will be desperate to keep winning given second-placed India will be playing a T20 series of their own against England at the same time and could claim top spot for themselves if results go their way.

How to watch

All matches will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports while there will be live scores, highlights and all the latest news on cricket.com.au

Qantas Tour of Zimbabwe

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth

Pakistan squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan.

Zimbabwe squad: Cephas Zhuwao, Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Tarisai Musakanda, Malcolm Waller, PJ Moor, Tendai Chisoro, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Mpofu, Ryan Burl, Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Ryan Murray

July 1: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 2: Pakistan vs Australia

July 3: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 5: Pakistan vs Australia

July 6: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 8: Final