Pakistan vs Australia Prediction & Match Preview – 3rd ODI, Lahore

The third and final ODI at Gaddafi Stadium is a series decider. Pakistan started well but could not build on that momentum in the second game. Shadab Khan made a valuable contribution with the bat and Shaheen Afridi led the attack with accuracy and control, yet the team fell short collectively. They will be keen to produce a stronger all-round display on home soil.

Australia bounced back in the previous match with a dominant all-round performance. Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis and Matthew Short all made significant contributions as the visitors levelled the series, and they will now look to carry that confidence into the final game and win the tour.

Pakistan’s likely line-up is built around Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori, with Shaheen Afridi captaining, while Australia are expected to again rely on Inglis as captain and wicketkeeper, with Carey, Short, Labuschagne, Green and Renshaw in the batting order and Adam Zampa in the spin department. Extreme heat could tire the bowlers early, and a flat pitch should reward strokeplay.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Gaddafi Stadium is expected to be a good batting surface with true bounce and plenty of runs. The powerplay is a good time to score as the ball comes onto the bat. Fast bowlers may find some early movement, though scoring tends to get easier, and spinners can use variation in the middle overs even though turn is rarely big. In day-night games dew can make gripping the ball hard in the second innings, though it may be minimal this time.

Weather

Very hot and dry weather is expected on the afternoon of 4 June, with temperatures forecast at about 44–46°C and a feels-like figure that could exceed 47°C. Sunshine will be bright, humidity low and the chance of rain very small. Light to moderate winds will offer only limited relief.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 300–330
• 2nd innings: 280–315