Australia vs Pakistan Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between AUS vs PAK?

Pakistan have suffered immensely in white-ball cricket in recent times. After a miserable campaign in the T20 World Cup, captain Babar Azam stepped down and recently, Mohammad Rizwan has been handed the ODI captaincy. He has a massive challenge in front of him as Pakistan are slated to play a three-match ODI series against Australia away from home.

Babar Azam, who was dropped for the last two Test matches against England will be making his return and he has to prove himself after a few flop performances. The bowling unit will be tested as well. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins will be playing his first ODI game since the 2023 World Cup final. The focus will also be on Australia’s middle order that haven’t done very well in recent times.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will provide a run-fest. It’s a very good surface to bat on and anything over 340 runs will be a good total. Meanwhile, bowling first will be the wise thing to do as batting can get easier under lights.

Head-to-Head Record

Probable Predicted Playing XIs

Australia

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (c), Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.

Pakistan

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Arafat Minhas, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf.

Probable Top Performers

Probable Best Batter: Steve Smith

Star batter Steve Smith recently scored a half-century for New South Wales in a List-A game against Victoria. He had a decent time in the series against England, scoring a half-century but the player needs to get better. He is the most senior batter in the squad and needs to lead from the front in the series against Pakistan.

Probable Best Bowler: Mitchell Starc

Fiery Australia pacer Mitchell Starc picked up five wickets in four ODIs he played against England. He will be vital in the series against Pakistan as well, especially playing at home.

Today's Match Prediction: Australia to win the match

Scenario 1

Australia win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP: 40-50

Pakistan: 255-275

Australia win the match

Scenario 2

Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP: 50-60

Australia: 295-315

Australia win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.