PAK vs AUS Playing XI And Match Prediction- 3rd ODI, Australia Tour Of Pakistan 2026

Pakistan vs Australia match winner prediction [Source: AFP]

The three-match ODI series between Australia and Pakistan is finely poised at 1-1 heading into the final encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 4. 

After Pakistan chased down 201 comfortably in the opening ODI to take an early lead, Australia bounced back strongly in the second game with a commanding 41-run victory to level the series and force a winner-takes-all decider.

Pakistan will draw confidence from playing at home and their ability to chase under pressure, but their batting unit failed to deliver in the second ODI while pursuing 232.

Australia, meanwhile, enter the contest with momentum after a clinical all-round performance in the previous game. 

Their batting lineup showed greater consistency, while the bowlers successfully defended a modest total. The visitors will be aiming to continue that form and secure an important away-series triumph.

With the series on the line and both teams having produced one win each, fans can expect a highly competitive contest. Australia hold a slight edge based on their balanced performance in the second ODI, but Pakistan's home advantage and familiarity with conditions make them dangerous opponents.

PAK vs AUS current form (last 5 matches)

PAK vs AUS player battles

Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Matthew Short

The battle between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Matthew Short could set the tone for Australia's innings. Shaheen has already shown his ability to strike with the new ball in this series, using late swing and extra bounce to trouble top-order batters. 

If Shaheen can move the ball back into the right-hander early, Pakistan could gain a crucial breakthrough.

Babar Azam vs Adam Zampa

Few contests in modern ODI cricket are as intriguing as Babar Azam against Adam Zampa. The Australian leg-spinner has enjoyed success against Babar in international cricket, often using variations in pace and length to restrict the Pakistani star.

With Pakistan heavily dependent on Babar's batting, Zampa's spell could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the match.

Haris Rauf vs Cameron Green

The middle overs could witness a fascinating clash between Haris Rauf's raw pace and Cameron Green's powerful batting. 

Rauf has the ability to generate speeds above 145 km/h and can be particularly dangerous when reverse swing comes into play in Lahore. If Rauf can dismiss Green early, Pakistan could expose Australia's lower middle order.

PAK vs AUS top performers (current squad members)

Most runs for PAK vs AUS

Babar Azam (771), Ghazi Ghori (102)

Most wickets for PAK vs AUS

Shaheen Afridi (25), Haris Rauf (21)

Most runs for AUS vs PAK

Alex Carey (184), Josh Inglis (151)

Most wickets for AUS vs PAK

Adam Zampa (25), Nathan Ellis (9)

PAK vs AUS toss prediction

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has traditionally been one of Pakistan’s better batting venues in ODI cricket, and recent numbers suggest the surface has become even more favourable for run-scoring. 

Across 74 ODIs at the venue, teams have scored at an overall run rate of 5.37. Batters generally enjoy true bounce and good pace on the wicket.

Teams batting first have won 38 ODIs compared to 33 victories for chasing sides, while captains winning the toss have enjoyed a strong success rate of 45 wins in 74 matches. 

The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first, post a big total, and place scoreboard pressure on the opposition in this series-deciding encounter.

Also Read- Team India Schedule After IPL 2026

PAK vs AUS 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay – 57/2

Final score – 282/5

PAK vs AUS 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay – 46/2

Final score – 281/8

PAK vs AUS top players prediction

Pakistan top players' prediction

Probable best batters

Ghazi Ghori, Babar Azam

Probable best bowlers

Arafat Minhas, Abrar Ahmed

Australia top players prediction

Probable best batters

Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short

Probable best bowlers

Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis

Who will hit the most sixes in PAK vs AUS in the 3rd ODI?

Matt Renshaw

Who will score the most fours in PAK vs AUS in the 3rd ODI?

Babar Azam

PAK vs AUS match winner prediction: Who will win the 3rd ODI?

Both teams head into the series decider with one win each, setting up a fascinating contest at the Gaddafi Stadium. Historically, Australia have dominated this rivalry with 72 victories compared to Pakistan's 37 wins in 113 ODIs, but the current circumstances favour the hosts.

Pakistan will draw confidence from playing in familiar home conditions, where their bowlers have consistently exploited Lahore's surface better than visiting teams. 

Considering home advantage, recent form, and conditions at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan start as favourites and are backed to win the 3rd ODI.

PAK vs AUS Playing XI Prediction

Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Australia Playing XI vs Pakistan: Alex Carey, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha

Also Read- Cricketers Who Married A Cheerleader