Published on: May 29, 2026 4:36 pm IST | Updated on: May 29, 2026 2:16 pm IST
Pakistan is all set to host the Australian team in a 3-match ODI series set to kick off on May 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The Aussies have been disastrous in recent times in white-ball cricket, as their transition is taking too long. They had a disastrous T20 World Cup 2026, bowing out in the first round itself, and prior to that, they got blanked 3-0 by Pakistan in a 3-match T20I series in Pakistan. The hosts, too, are heading into this series on the back of a 2-1 series loss to Bangladesh in March in Bangladesh. With both teams desperate to return to form in white-ball cricket, expect an intriguing battle at Rawalpindi in the first ODI. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Yet again, Australia has rested their frontline pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc for a Pakistan series. The trio didn’t feature in the Champions Trophy 2025 held in Pakistan and now are going to miss the ODI series as well. Two of their key batters, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, are also going to miss the tour. Pakistan, meanwhile, comes all prepared in this series with all their first-choice players. In the absence of the Australian pace-trio, Pakistan should start as the favorites in the opening game in Rawalpindi and have the win probability meter backing them. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
PAK: 61% win chance AUS: 39% win chance
The aggressive left-hander will be a key bet at the top for the hosts. In his 3-match ODI career, Maaz has scored 99 runs with a fifty. He has also contributed with the ball, scalping 3 wickets.
Salman has been Pakistan's best batter in recent times in the longer formats of the game. In his last 10 outings, Salman has scored 452 runs at a breathtaking average of 64.57. He will be a key bet in the middle-order.
Fresh off a PSL stint in Pakistan, Marnus will look to implement all his learnings of playing on these surfaces in this series. He hasn't been an intimidating white-ball player ever, and for the last 3.5 years, his form in the red ball has been terrible as well. However, PSL experience could help Marnus to score on this surface in Rawalpindi.
Carey will be opening the innings alongside Matthew Short. The left-hander has scored 226 runs in his last 8 outings for Australia in ODIs and will look to play the anchor role at the top.
Check out our prediction for the PAK vs AUS 1st ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Australia head into the three‑match ODI series against Pakistan with a significant challenge, as their trusted pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc will not feature. The first ODI is set to be played tomorrow at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Josh Inglis leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Cummins, who loves to rest when it comes to playing white-ball cricket for Australia. He has all the time in the world to play IPL with a back injury, but hasn’t played a white-ball game for Australia since 2024.
Cricket Australia has opted to rest Cummins once again and senior pacer Mitchell Starc, while Hazlewood remains committed to the IPL, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming final. This leaves Australia’s bowling attack short on experience, placing added responsibility on the shoulders of Nathan Ellis and Billy Stanlake, who will be key with the new ball. Their ability to strike early and contain Pakistan’s aggressive top order will be crucial in shaping the contest.
For Australia, this series is not only about competing but also about testing their bench strength. The absence of their frontline pacers opens the door for emerging talents to prove themselves on the international stage. Against a strong Pakistan side at home, the Aussies will need collective discipline and resilience to stay competitive.
Pakistan will head into the opening ODI against Australia with confidence, knowing the visitors arrive with a depleted bowling attack. Apart from Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis, the rest of Australia’s bowling unit lacks international experience, leaving Pakistan with a golden opportunity to dominate at home.
The hosts themselves have made notable changes following their series defeat in Bangladesh earlier this year. Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan return to the squad, with Shadab featuring in ODIs for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. Their presence adds both stability and match‑winning quality to Pakistan’s lineup.
In addition, Pakistan have injected fresh talent, handing opportunities to the uncapped trio of Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper‑batter), Arafat Minhas (left‑arm spinner), and Ahmed Daniyal (fast bowler). This blend of experience and youth reflects Pakistan’s trademark approach of balancing proven performers with emerging prospects.
With Australia’s bowling resources stretched thin, Pakistan will look to capitalize on their batting depth and recent match practice. A strong start in Rawalpindi could set the tone for the series and underline their advantage against an inexperienced Australian attack. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 111 AUS won: 71 PAK won: 36 No Result: 3 Tied: 1 RECENT form AUSTRALIA: L W W W L RECENT form PAKISTAN: W W L W L
Australia and Pakistan have locked horns 111 times in one-day internationals. The Aussies have dominated Pakistan in this battle, winning 71 games, whereas Pakistan has won only 36. However, their last ODI series, comprising 3 games in Australia, was won by Pakistan 2-1.
How will the two teams, i.e., Pakistan and Australia, fare in the 1st ODI of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026? Let’s take a look.
Matt Short, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (C/WK), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Liam Scott, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa, Billy Stanlake/Matt Kuhnemann
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad/Rohail Nazir, Ghazi Ghouri (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi (capt), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi:
With Rawalpindi’s flat, batting‑friendly pitch expected to produce high scores, the team winning the toss is likely to bat first. Early seam movement may test openers, but setting a target around 280–300 could prove decisive under hot and sunny conditions. Pakistan would love to bat first on Rawalpindi’s flat deck, whereas Australia may be tempted towards chasing as they will look to get accustomed to the conditions and the surface in the first innings.
The 1st ODI of the Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 will be streamed live on the Sports TV YouTube channel. It is a Pakistani YouTube channel, as there is no live coverage of this series in India.
Heading into the first game of the series, the hosts, Pakistan, should start as the favorites. They are well accustomed to their conditions and know how to play in scorching heat at this time of the year. Australia, with a relatively inexperienced bowling lineup, may struggle in the opening game. Therefore, as per our prediction, Pakistan is expected to win the PAK vs AUS, 1st ODI of the Australia Tour of Pakistan.
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