Pakistan is set to face Australia in the opening match of their three-match T20I series on Wednesday, January 28. The high-octane clash will be played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, as both the teams prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
Australia will miss Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis, while all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is also not going on the tour. Pakistan, led by new captain Salman Ali Aga, will aim to take advantage of Australia’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack in the home series.
This article provides a detailed match prediction for PAK vs AUS 1st T20I, analyzing head-to-head records, pitch report, probable XIs and win chances.
PAK vs AUS Match Prediction: Who will win the 1st T20I?
Match Details:
match: Pakistan vs Australia, 1st T20I
date: 28 January 2026
Time: 8:30 PM IST
venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
live streaming: SonyLIV in India
Live broadcast: Sony Sports Network in India
PAK vs AUS Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Records
Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T-20. Australia has won 14 matches, while Pakistan has won 13 matches.
However, the contest has been one-sided in recent times. Australia has won the last five consecutive matches against the Men in Green. They achieved a clean sweep in their most recent home series in 2024 and a crucial win in the 2021 World Cup semi-finals.
Pitch Report and Terms
The average first innings total in T20Is in Lahore is 170 runs. Pakistan successfully chased the target of 197 runs at the venue, while England posted the highest score of 209 runs.
The fast bowlers have been the higher wicket-takers here, taking 225 wickets compared to 105 by the spinners. However, fast bowlers give runs at a higher economy rate (8.43) than spinners (7.85).
PAK vs AUS weather report
The weather is expected to be cold and foggy in Lahore. The temperature will be around 14 degrees Celsius during the match. Although there is no rain predicted, heavy dew is expected to play a major role in the second innings, making it difficult for the spinners.
PAK vs AUS Match Prediction, Probable XI
Pakistan playing eleven: Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Australia playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Mitch Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhneman, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis.
toss effect
In T20Is, teams have opted to bowl first 57% of the time, but teams chasing the target have a winning percentage of only 43%. Batting first at this position is also a viable option. However, with the winter dew factor, the captain who wins the toss may be tempted to bowl first to avoid a wet ball in the second innings.
form and fitness
Babar Azam has an impressive T20I record at this venue, scoring 801 runs at an average of 44.50. The onus of Pakistan’s bowling will be on Shaheen Afridi, who has taken 69 wickets in all T20s at this ground.
With key bowlers missing, Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa will lead Australia’s attack. With Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in top form, their batting remains dangerous.
score prediction
Given the batting-friendly nature of the pitch and the high average score, the total should be between 180 and 190 in the first innings. If Australia bats first, their aggressive top order can push the total even higher.
PAK vs AUS: Player Performance Prediction
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Saim Ayub, Naseem Shah
Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett
PAK vs AUS: Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for Pakistan in the match?
Babar Azam or Fakhar Zaman
Who will score the most runs for Australia in the match?
Travis Head or Michelle Marsh
PAK vs AUS: Prediction of best bowler
Who will take the most wickets for Pakistan in the match?
Shaheen Afridi or Naseem Shah
Who will take the most wickets for Australia in the match?
Adam Zampa or Xavier Bartlett
Conclusion: Who will win PAK vs AUS 1st T20I?
Despite a weak bowling attack, Australia will start as favourites. They have players who can snatch the match in just a few overs. However, Pakistan are a dangerous team on home soil and if they bat first and make a big score, their experienced pace attack can defend it.
Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 practice schedule finally announced