The first step of T20 World Cup preparation begins on Thursday night as the Australia travel to Lahore to face Pakistan in the opening match of the three match series at Gaddafi Stadium. With both sides using this tour as a springboard toward the World Cup, the focus is firmly on combinations, form and identifying match winners in high pressure conditions.
Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to support our site and help to keep our content free by signing up to one of our best sports betting sites.
Pakistan vs Australia Preview & Betting Tips
Lahore, Thursday 29th January, 10:00pm AEDT
Pakistan
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Pakistan welcome back some familiar faces after a mixed period. Babar Azam returns to the national side following a forgettable Big Bash stint with the Sydney Sixers and will be eager to reassert himself in home conditions. His inclusion adds stability to a batting order that also features Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan, with Salman Ali Agha captaining the side. Khawaja Nafay retains the gloves after impressing on debut, while Mohammad Rizwan has been left out despite his strong international pedigree.
There is also a major boost with Shaheen Shah Afridi declared fit after overcoming the knee issue that cut short his BBL campaign with the Brisbane Heat. His return alongside Naseem Shah restores Pakistan’s new ball threat, although the continued omission of Haris Rauf, despite a prolific Big Bash season, raised eyebrows. Pakistan’s attack still has plenty of bite, but consistency through the middle overs remains a question mark against deep batting line ups.
Australia
Australia: Mitch Marsh, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia arrive in Pakistan with a slightly reshaped squad, missing several established white ball pillars. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all stayed home due to injury, while Glenn Maxwell has been rested after a difficult Big Bash campaign. That opens the door for a number of fringe and emerging players, many of whom come straight off strong BBL15 performances. Mitch Marsh takes the reins as captain and will anchor a batting group that still boasts plenty of firepower through Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis.
The bowling attack has a different look, with Xavier Bartlett the only specialist quick from Australia’s World Cup core. Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott get a valuable opportunity to press their claims, while Big Bash breakout Mahli Beardman looks set to be rewarded with an international debut after an impressive summer. Adam Zampa remains the key strike spinner, supported by Matthew Kuhnemann and allround options like Green, Connolly and Edwards, giving Australia flexibility on what is traditionally a slower Lahore surface.
Match Prediction
This shapes as a good test for both teams, but Australia look well placed to get their campaign underway with a win. While they are missing some established names, the majority of this squad arrives full of confidence after impressive Big Bash seasons, and their batting depth in particular stands out. Pakistan have match winners across the park, especially at home, but Australia’s balance and flexibility give them the edge in the series opener.
Australia to Win
$1.45 (3 Units)
Player Prop
From a player prop perspective, I think Marcus Stoinis provides good man of the match value given his ability to impact with both bat and ball. He was, in my opinion, the dominant player of BBL15, finishing with 273 runs at an average of 54.6 while also taking 15 wickets at 15.5, ranking highly across both batting and bowling impact metrics. With his ability to handle spin and accelerate through the middle overs, Stoinis shapes as a key contributor on a Lahore surface that rewards power and composure.
Stoinis Man of the Match
$14
