PAK vs AUS Match Prediction : 1st T20, Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026

Australia arrives in Pakistan for a short three-match T20I series as part of its build-up to the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. While several senior players have been rested due to minor injuries, the visitors still field a strong and well-balanced squad. The opening match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where conditions are expected to favour aggressive batting.

Despite Pakistan’s excellent home record, Australia’s recent dominance in T20 cricket and superior depth give them the edge heading into this contest.

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Pakistan vs Australia Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan’s recent record against Australia in T20Is makes for grim reading. The hosts have lost each of their last seven matches against Australia, highlighting a clear psychological and tactical disadvantage against the reigning world champions.

Pakistan vs Australia Live-streaming and Broadcast

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.

PAK vs AUS Team Previews

Pakistan

Pakistan has enjoyed a solid run in recent T20 cricket, winning seven of their last nine matches. However, those victories have largely come against weaker opposition, and this series represents their toughest test ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Shaheen Shah Afridi returns after recovering from a knee ligament injury, while Babar Azam has retained his place despite a difficult Big Bash League campaign. Babar struggled for form in Australia, scoring 202 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of just 103.06, but Pakistan continues to back his experience in the middle order.

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub are expected to open the batting, with Khawaja Nafay retaining the wicketkeeper’s role after impressing on debut in Sri Lanka. The middle order will rely on all-rounders such as Shadab Khan, Salman Agha, and Faheem Ashraf for balance.

With Haris Rauf omitted despite a strong BBL season, the pace attack will be led by Afridi and Naseem Shah, while Abrar Ahmed is likely to operate as the specialist spinner.

Pakistan Expected Playing 11

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Khawaja Nafay (WK), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

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Australia

Australia is using this series to fine-tune combinations and assess fringe players ahead of the T20 World Cup. While key names such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis have been rested or sidelined with minor injuries, selectors remain confident they will be fit in time for the tournament.

Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, with Travis Head, Matthew Short, and Cameron Green forming a powerful and experienced top order well suited to subcontinental conditions. This series presents a major opportunity for players like Josh Phillippe, Matt Renshaw, Mitch Owen, and Cooper Connolly to push for World Cup consideration.

With Australia resting its frontline quicks, Xavier Bartlett is the only fast bowler from the World Cup squad in action. He will be supported by Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis, while young pacer Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards could make their international debuts following impressive Big Bash League performances.

Adam Zampa is expected to spearhead the spin attack.

Australia Expected Playing 11

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa

PAK vs AUS Toss Prediction

Each of the last three matches at the Gaddafi Stadium has been won by the team batting second. Captains generally prefer chasing here due to the even bounce and predictable conditions, making fielding first the likely choice after winning the toss.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The Lahore surface is expected to be flat and hard, offering good pace and bounce for stroke play. Once batters settle in, run-scoring becomes easier, with the average first-innings score hovering around 170. Spinners may find some assistance as the ball gets older.

The weather is forecast to be cool, with temperatures around 17°C.

PAK vs AUS: Who Will Win?

Australia’s superior recent form, deeper batting lineup, and tactical clarity make them favourites despite resting several senior players. Pakistan’s struggles against Australia and uncertainty around form and selection reduce their margin for error.

Bet on Australia to win.