Pakistan are currently ranked fifth on the ICC ODI team rankings, while Australia are sixth - just two points behind © Getty

The five-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will kick start in Sharjah on the 22nd of March. Sharjah will also host the second ODI while the third game will be played in Abu Dhabi. The last two matches of the series will be played in Dubai.

Pakistan are currently ranked fifth on the ICC ODI team rankings, while Australia are sixth - just two points behind.

"Australia are the world champions and this series will provide the Pakistan cricket team an opportunity to assess their Word Cup preparations," PCB Director Cricket - International, Zakir Khan, said.

The PCB also said it was hoping to play the games in Pakistan, but the series in Pakistan could not go ahead as planned.

"The PCB was optimistic that it will be able to convince Cricket Australia to send its side for some matches after successfully staging high-profile bilateral international series and the HBL Pakistan Super League matches in the past 18 months. But, we are disappointed for the enthusiastic and passionate cricket fans in Pakistan who will now have to wait for some more time before they can see the Australia cricket team live in action for the first time since 1998.

"However, the CA has confirmed that they will send their security expert to oversee the execution of security plans for the HBL PSL 2019 matches and bilateral series against other international sides in Pakistan, and will also speak with the ICC-recommended PCB security consultant. In the meantime, the CA have confirmed they will maintain regular contact with the ICC," Zakir Khan added.

Schedule:

22 March - 1st ODI, Sharjah (d/n)
24 March - 2nd ODI, Sharjah (d/n)
27 March - 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi (d/n)
29 March - 4th ODI, Dubai (d/n)
31 March - 5th ODI, Dubai (d/n)