PAK vs AUS 1st T20I Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

Babar Azam and Rizwan will be Pakistan's key players [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

On Thursday, Pakistan will lock horns with Australia in the first T20 International of the upcoming three-match series in Down Under. The opening counter of the much-awaited series is scheduled at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. 

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Can Under-Confident Australia Pip Spirited Pakistan At The Gabba?

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan were clinical across departments in the ODI leg, swatting aside the hosts by a comprehensive two-one margin. Apart from scintillating spells from Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, the Men in Green's batting unit was a massive positive for them in the series. 

However, the challenge will be different for Rizwan and co in the shortest format, as their T20I squad has an entirely contrasting look. As they eye resurgence in T20Is, several new faces are expected to play this game and showcase their mettle for the national side. 

Apart from skipper Rizwan and Babar Azam, Usman Khan and Agha Salman will be Pakistan's key batters. Meanwhile, Shaheen, Haris and Naseem will spearhead their bowling department, with the focus also being on left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. 

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On the other hand, Australia will seek redemption following their disastrous series defeat in the ODI leg. Despite missing several first-choice players, the hosts have a solid squad that can give the visitors a run for their money. 

Australia's batting will revolve around experienced players like Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, with Tim David playing a crucial role lower down the order. Meanwhile, with Josh Philippe available, the out-of-form Jake Fraser-McGurk will be under pressure to perform and retain his place in the team. 

Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, who have The Gabba as their BBL home ground, might ask tough questions to the Pakistani batters in the powerplay. Ace spinner Adam Zampa, who has an impressive record in Brisbane, will also be pivotal for Australia's success. 

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: The Gabba, Brisbane Pitch Report

The surface at The Gabba in Brisbane will offer a hint of seam movement and extra bounce to the fast bowlers throughout the match. However, the batters who are good players off the back foot can play their shots after getting set in the middle. The seamers will hit the deck and try to utilise the spongy bounce, while the spinners might get some overspin, particularly as the game progresses. Something around 170-175 should be a par score at this venue. 

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Key Players And Stats

• Marcus Stoinis in T20 cricket in Brisbane: 297 runs in 8 innings, average: 49.50, SR: 163.18
• Xavier Bartlett in T20 cricket in Brisbane: 20 wickets in 13 innings, SR: 12.90
• Haris Rauf in T20 cricket in Australia: 44 wickets in 29 matches, Strike rate: 13.88
• Adam Zampa in T20Is in Brisbane: 7 wickets in 4 innings, SR: 13.71, Economy: 5.94
• Shaheen Afridi in T20Is in Australia: 11 wickets in 7 matches, SR: 13.73, Economy: 6.16

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf

Australia: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson

PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: Winner Prediction

Although Pakistan have been superb with the ball on this tour so far, their inexperienced T20I lineup might pave the way for an Australian win in the series opener. 

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PAK vs AUS 1st T20I: The Gabba Brisbane Pitch Report

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