Pakistan vs Australia – 3rd T20I Match Preview (2026-02-01)

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, 1st February 2026
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Start Time: 11:00 AM GMT / 04:30 PM IST / 04:00 PM Local

Tournament Context

The 3rd T20I between Pakistan and Australia will be a crucial encounter in their five-match T20I series. With both teams having had a competitive start, this match in Lahore is expected to be a high-stakes contest as both sides aim to gain the upper hand ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Current Form

Pakistan:

Pakistan has shown impressive form with the bat, led by Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan. Their bowling attack, powered by Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, has been equally effective, offering a balanced threat. The team is on a mission to rewrite its history against Australia, having previously struggled in this rivalry.

Australia:

Australia has been in fine form, with Cameron Green emerging as a key player with both bat and ball. Adam Zampa has been instrumental with his leg-spin, and the depth in the bowling department has been a key strength. The team is looking to continue its dominance in this series and carry that momentum into the World Cup.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan:

• Salman Ali Agha: The top-order batter has been in scintillating form, averaging over 50 with a strike rate of 171.64. His ability to accelerate the innings will be crucial.
• Abrar Ahmed: The pacer has been a revelation in this series, taking five wickets at an average of just 4.8. His yorkers and ability to swing the ball could trouble the Australian batsmen.
• Shadab Khan: The all-rounder has contributed with both bat and ball, offering a spin threat and a handy lower-order finish.

Australia:

• Cameron Green: The all-rounder has been a standout performer, averaging 31.5 and striking at 139.21. His ability to change the game with either end makes him a key player.
• Xavier Bartlett: The left-arm spinner has been effective with the ball and has also contributed with the bat, offering a balanced threat.
• Adam Zampa: The leg-spinner has been Australia’s best bowler in this series, with an economy rate of 7.58. His mastery of the middle overs could be pivotal.

Venue Analysis: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

The Gaddafi Stadium has been a batters' paradise in recent years. The average first innings score in 2026 is 183, with teams batting first winning 62.5% of matches. Spinners have struggled slightly, with an average of 24.48 and an economy rate of 7.58. However, the pitch still offers some assistance for fast bowlers, especially in the death overs.

• Powerplay Wickets: 1.57 per innings
• Middle Overs Wickets: 2.84 per innings
• Death Overs Wickets: 2.36 per innings

With the toss expected to be a key decision, the team winning the toss might consider batting first to exploit the scoring conditions.

Squads

Pakistan:

• Salman Ali Agha (c)
• Usman Khan (wk)
• Khawaja Nafay (wk)
• Babar Azam
• Fakhar Zaman
• Sahibzada Farhan
• Saim Ayub
• Faheem Ashraf
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Shadab Khan
• Abrar Ahmed
• Mohammad Wasim
• Naseem Shah
• Salman Mirza
• Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Usman Tariq

Australia:

• Mitchell Marsh (c)
• Josh Inglis (wk)
• Josh Philippe (wk)
• Travis Head
• Mitchell Owen
• Matthew Renshaw
• Matthew Short
• Sean Abbott
• Cooper Connolly
• Jack Edwards
• Cameron Green
• Marcus Stoinis
• Xavier Bartlett
• Mahli Beardman
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Matthew Kuhnemann
• Adam Zampa

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Australia
• Match Winner: Pakistan
• Top Batter (Most Runs): Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
• Top Bowler (Most Wickets): Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
• Most Sixes: Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
• Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed
• Team Scores (Batting First):
  • Pakistan: 170+
  • Australia: 160+

Key Insights

• Travis Head's Winning Streak: Australia wins 80% of matches when Travis Head scores more than 50 runs.
• Dot Ball Dilemma: Babar Azam faces dots on only 32% of balls, making him a consistent run-scorer.
• Wicket Wizardry: Adam Zampa has taken 71% of his wickets in the middle overs, suggesting he could be crucial again.
• Economy Rate Challenge: Salman Mirza has bowled with an economy rate below 6.00 in 38% of his innings, offering value with the ball.

Conclusion

This third T20I promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. Pakistan will look to capitalize on the home advantage and a favorable pitch, while Australia will rely on their all-round strength and experience. With the Gaddafi Stadium offering batting-friendly conditions, the toss could be a defining moment in this match. Expect a high-scoring game with some standout performances from key players on both sides.
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