Match 1st T20I
Australia Tour of Pakistan (3 T20Is)
January 29, 2026, 4:00 pm
Pakistan Logo
Pakistan
Odds » 2.888
VS.
Australia Logo
Australia
Odds » 1.431
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

PAK vs AUS Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026, 1st T20I, January 29

Published on: Jan 28, 2026 4:57 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 28, 2026 4:57 pm IST

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Australia is touring Pakistan for a 3-match T20I series set to kick off on December 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. All three games will be played at the same venue, and both teams will be taking this series as a stepping stone for the final preparations of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Win Probability: PAK vs AUS

Like India and England, Australia too has been quite a force to reckon with in T20Is in the last year or so. Particularly against Pakistan, Australia has been quite a dominant force, as they have won their last 5 T20Is against this very opponent. Australia’s morale must be high, but taming Pakistan in their own yard could be quite challenging, especially with the Salman Agha-led side winning their last two bilateral T20I series. Still, Australia should start as the favorites heading into this game, atleast in the first game of the series. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

PAK: 41% win chance
AUS: 59% win chance

  • Pakistan has won and lost two out of the last five games, which also includes an abandoned game.
  • They are heading into this contest on the back of a drawn series 1-1 (3 matches) against Sri Lanka.
  • Australia has won a solitary game out of their last three completed fixtures and lost two.
  • They are heading into this contest on the back of a home series loss at the hands of India 2-1 (5 matches).
  • In the last 5 completed meetings between these two sides, Australia has blanked Pakistan 5-0.

Cricket Betting Tips for PAK vs AUS- 1st T20I

Sahibzada Farhan to score Over 22.5

The Pakistan opener will be a massive bet at the top. Farhan has scored 322 runs in his last 10 T20I innings. His strike rate has always been under the radar, but expect Farhan to score well.

Mitchell Marsh to score Over 24.5

The Aussie skipper did pretty well in the BBL, scoring above 300 runs, which included a ton as well. Expect Marsh to have an impact in this game.

Salman Agha to score Over 17.5

The Pakistan skipper will most probably bat at no 4 for the home side. He made all the right noises by scoring a quick fire fifty in the last series against Sri Lanka. Expect him to have a go in this game as well.

Travis Head to score Over 23.5

The Aussie opener is known for scoring at a brisk pace with rash shots. However, his recent form in T20Is has been pretty underwhelming, scoring only 102 from 8 matches, but expect him to gain momentum in this series on batting friendly surfaces.

PAK vs AUS Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the PAK vs AUS 1st T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Australia will look to keep their recent record against Pakistan Intact

Australia will aim to continue their impressive run against Pakistan as they begin a three-match T20I series on December 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With all games scheduled at the same venue, the series serves as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The visitors have enjoyed a dominant record in recent years, winning their last two multi-game bilateral T20I series against Pakistan—3-0 in November 2024 and 2-0 in November 2019. They also edged out Pakistan in a one-off T20I in April 2022, securing victory by three wickets. This streak highlights Australia’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure and adapt to varying conditions.

Armed with a balanced squad featuring explosive batters and a versatile bowling attack, Australia will look to impose themselves once again. Pakistan, however, will be determined to break the trend, banking on home advantage and their passionate supporters in Lahore. With both teams eyeing momentum ahead of the World Cup, the series promises high-intensity cricket, but Australia’s recent dominance gives them the upper hand as they seek to keep their winning record intact.

Pakistan will bank upon home advantage to get the better of Australia

Pakistan will look to make the most of home advantage as they gear up to face Australia in the three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With familiar conditions and passionate home support, the hosts will be eager to challenge the visitors, who arrive without several key players.

Australia will miss the services of their injured quartet—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis—while the good-for-nothing all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has also opted out of the tour. This leaves the Australian squad slightly weakened, particularly in terms of bowling depth. Pakistan, on the other hand, boasts a strong lineup with experienced batters and a versatile bowling attack well-suited to the conditions in Lahore.

The spin-friendly pitches could play into Pakistan’s hands, with their spinners expected to exploit the surface and put pressure on Australia’s batting unit. For Pakistan, this series is not only about securing victories at home but also about building momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With the visitors missing several stalwarts, Pakistan will see this as a golden opportunity to assert dominance and get the better of Australia. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

PAK vs AUS Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 28
AUS won: 14
PAK won: 13
No Result: 1
Tied: 0
RECENT form AUSTRALIA: NR W L L NR
RECENT form PAKISTAN: L W W AB L

Australia and Pakistan have locked horns 28 times in T20 Internationals. Pakistan had dominated the Aussies in the past, but in recent times, it’s been the Aussies who have gotten the wood over Pakistan. Australia has 14 wins to their name, whereas Pakistan has 13 wins. Australia pips their counterparts with one extra win. 

Team Analysis: Pakistan and Australia

How will the two teams, i.e., Pakistan and Australia, fare in the 1st T20I of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026? Let’s take a look.

Australia (AUS)

  • The Aussies have announced a 17-man squad for this series, led by Mitchell Marsh.
  • Pacer Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards have received a maiden call-up in the national side.
  • Injured quartet Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis haven’t made it to Pakistan for this series.
  • Senior all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opted to skip this series.
  • Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh will be opening the innings.
  • Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and the all-round trio of Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, and Mitchell Owen will complete the batting unit.
  • Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Adam Zampa, and Ben Dwarshuis will form the bowling unit.
  • If Australia opts for an extra spinner, Mahli Beardman could make way for Matthew Kuhnemann.

Expected Starting 11

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis

Pakistan (PAK)

  • Pakistan has announced a 16-man squad for this series, led by Salman Agha.
  • Two big names, Haris Rauf and Muhammad Rizwan, have missed the cut for this series and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as well.
  • The other two big names, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, are back in the squad.
  • Shadab Khan also keeps his place in the squad after featuring in the previous bilateral series against Sri Lanka.
  • Saim Ayub, along with Sahibzada Farhan, will be opening the innings.
  • Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and skipper Salman Ali Agha will form the rest of the batting order.
  • Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf will be the all-round trio.
  • Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed will form the core of the bowling unit.

Expected Starting 11

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

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I of the Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:

Pitch ReportWeather Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is known to favor batters, offering good bounce and carry.Conditions are expected to be clear with no rain forecast.
Pacers may find assistance early on, especially under lights with the new ball.Temperature likely to hover between 18–22°C during match hours.
Spinners could come into play as the surface slows down in the middle overs.Humidity levels may rise slightly in the evening, aiding swing for fast bowlers.
A par score is expected around 170–180 runs, making it competitive for both sides.Gentle breeze expected, ensuring comfortable playing conditions.
Batting first could be advantageous, as chasing under lights has often proven tricky here.Overall pleasant weather, ensuring a full game without interruptions.

Toss Prediction

The pitch in Lahore favors batting first with par scores around 170–180. Both captains may prefer setting a target, as chasing under lights can be tricky. Pakistan could rely on spin later, while Australia’s power hitters may back themselves to defend totals.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 1st T20I of the Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 will take place live on the SonyLIV and Fancode app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Sony Sports Network channels.

PAK vs AUS: Today’s Match Predictions

The hosts, Pakistan, will be looking to take home advantage, but the Australian batting order is expected to dictate terms in this fixture on a good batting surface. Expect fireworks from them, and their recent run over Pakistan also makes their case stronger for a win in this encounter. Expect Australia to have the last laugh in this contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, Australia is expected to win the PAK vs AUS, 1st T20I of the Australia Tour of Pakistan.

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Pakistan Logo
Odds » 2.888
VS.
Australia Logo
Odds » 1.431