PAK vs AUS | One-off T20I | Match Preview, Prediction, Fantasy XI

After a 0-1 defeat in the Test series, the Men in Green bounced back and clinched an ODI series 2-1 against Australia, and they must be seeking another white-ball series win over the hosts on Tuesday (3 April). 

Pakistan captain Babar Azam again proved why he is currently the number one ODI batter as he banged two back-to-back hundreds to help Pakistan win the 50-over series. On the other hand, Imam-Ul-Haq was equally impressive at the top as he ended the series with 298 runs. 

Australia, whereas, still have a lot of issues to tackle as they fielded a second-string side for the One Day Internationals against the hosts, which saw them getting hammered 1-2.  

This one-off T20 International is going to witness two of the semi-finalists from last year's Men's T20 World Cup facing off each other. The last time they played against each other, it was Australia that emerged victorious, courtesy of Matthew Wade's madness against the likes of Shaheen Afridi and party. 

However, things aren't the same anymore as this Australian side will miss the services of most of their players from that semi-final and only three players - namely Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch and Adam Zampa from that occasion will be available to take the field against a full-strength Pakistan lineup. 

Talking about their head-to-head record, Pakistan currently holds the edge, having won 12 of the 24 T20 matches against the visitors. One match was tied, while one had seen no result.

With some of the best T20 players taking on each other on Tuesday, a thrilling encounter beckons in Lahore.

Match Details:

Match: Pakistan vs Australia, One-off T20I, 2022

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Date & Time: April 5th, 8:30 PM IST (8:00 PM Local Time)

Live Streaming: Sony Network and SonyLiv

Pitch Report: 

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, had seen a good contest between bat and ball in the last couple of weeks. It has been tricky as well, on some occasions. Pacers will dominate the initial overs while batters can score freely once they set their eyes. The surface will become easier to bat on as the match progresses. Wickets in hands will be the key. Both the teams will look to bowl first after winning the toss. 

Pitch Stats:

Matches Played: 17

Matches Won Batting First: 10

Matches Won Bowling First: 7

Average 1st Inning Score: 161

Average 2nd Inning Score: 146

PAK vs AUD Head-To-Head 

Matches Played: 24

Pakistan Won: 12

Australia Won: 10

Recent Form [Last 5 Matches] 

Pakistan: WWWWW

Australia: LWWWW

Squads 

Pakistan 

Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir

Australia

Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Swepson

Probable Playing XI 

Pakistan 

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan

Australia

Travis Head, Aaron Finch (c), Ben McDermott, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Swepson 

Crex XI Suggestion

Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan

Batters: Travis Head, Babar Azam, Ben McDermott

All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim Junior

Bowlers: Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

Captain: Babar Azam

Vice-Captain: Travis Head