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PAK vs AUS 1st T20I match prediction [Source: X]
Pakistan and Australia are set to face each other for a three-match T20I series just ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, and it will serve as preparation for both teams. The first T20I is scheduled to take place on January 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match is set to be live from 4:30 PM IST.
Pakistan will be led by Salman Ali Agha with names like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to feature in the squad alongside Sahibzada Farhana and Naseem Shah.
To challenge the hosts, Mitchell Marsh will bring in top guns Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green and Adam Zampa on their side after a 2-1 series loss against India recently.
Pakistan vs Australia current form (last 5 T20Is)
| Team | Form |
| Pakistan | L, W, W, L, W |
| Australia | L, L, W, W, W |
PAK vs AUS: Key player battles
Shaheen Afridi vs Travis Head
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's premier left-arm fast bowler, brings lethal swing, seam movement, and raw pace with the new ball, especially dangerous to left-handers from over the wicket. Travis Head, Australia's explosive middle-order batter, is one of the most aggressive players and this new-ball or powerplay clash could decide innings momentum.
Babar Azam vs Adam Zampa
Babar Azam, Pakistan's star batter has sublime timing, technique, and dominance against spin. Adam Zampa, Australia's crafty legspinner and a proven wicket-taker in the middle overs, excels with googlies, sliders, and flight variations. This battle in the middle overs could be a tactical chess match.
Naseem Shah vs Cameron Green
Naseem Shah, Pakistan's young pace sensation, generates serious speed, bounce, and late reverse swing, capable of intimidating any batter.
Cameron Green, Australia's towering batting allrounder, offers composure, strong defense, and the ability to accelerate with powerful drives and cuts once set. Here, Naseem's short balls could test Green's technique, while Green will look to impose his height and reach.
Pakistan vs Australia top performers
Most runs for PAK vs AUS
Babar Azam (430), Fakhar Zaman (252)
Most wickets for PAK vs AUS
Shadab Khan (13), Shaheen Afridi (12)
Most runs for AUS vs PAK
Marcus Stoinis (187), Travis Head (72)
Most wickets for AUS vs PAK
Adam Zampa (12), Xavier Bartlett (5)
Pakistan vs Australia toss prediction
The Gadaffi Stadium pitch is traditionally a batting-friendly surface, often producing high-scoring contests with totals regularly crossing the 170-run mark. While seamers may get a hint of movement with the new ball, the assistance is limited and fades quickly.
As the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, bringing spinners into play during the middle overs, though it is not a sharply turning track. Dew can play a role later on, but overall conditions remain good for batting. Considering the surface and its reliability, the captain would prefer to bat first and post a commanding total here.
Pakistan vs Australia 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay: 50/1
Final score: 170
Pakistan vs Australia 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay: 40/1
Final score: 165
PAK vs AUS top players prediction
PAK's top players
Probable best batters
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub
Probable best bowlers
Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed
AUS’ top players
Probable best batters
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh
Probable best bowlers
Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett
Who will hit the most sixes in the PAK vs AUS match?
Travis Head
Who will hit the most fours in the PAK vs AUS match?
Sahibzada Farhan
PAK vs AUS Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win The 1st T20I?
Pakistan head into the first T20I against Australia in Lahore, aiming to make full use of familiar home conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
With Salman Ali Agha leading a side that includes experienced names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, the hosts appear well balanced in both departments.
Australia, despite boasting explosive players such as Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Adam Zampa, are coming off a recent series loss to India. On a batting-friendly Gaddafi Stadium surface, Pakistan’s bowling depth and home advantage give them a slight edge to start the series as favourites.
