Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd T20I

The 3rd T20I between Pakistan and Australia at Gaddafi Stadium promises to be a fiercely contested encounter as the series stands finely poised. Pakistan have been riding on strong momentum, having showcased resilience in their recent home games. Their bowling unit, spearheaded by the likes of Shaheen Afridi, has consistently put pressure on opposition batsmen. Offensively, Babar Azam remains a key pillar for Pakistan, blending classical shots with power-hitting. Australia's recent form has seen some fluctuations; however, their depth in batting with players like Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell provides balance. The Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa has adapted well to Pakistani conditions so far, showing signs of threat especially in the death overs. Historically, Pakistan has enjoyed the home advantage, particularly on Gaddafi Stadium’s slow and turn-friendly pitch. Strategically, Pakistan will likely aim to exploit spin in the middle overs and leverage early wickets to upset Australia's top order. Australia, on the other hand, will look to build partnerships and accelerate during the final overs. Fielding will be a critical factor, given the tight margins in T20 cricket. Overall, Pakistan’s familiarity with local conditions and their recent consistency gives them a slight edge in this encounter.

AI suggested match winner: Pakistan: 56%, Australia: 44%

Should Pakistan bat first, a competitive total of around 165-175 runs is expected. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch tends to slow down, favoring spin, but with good boundary options, aggressive batting in the powerplay and death overs could take the score near the higher end. If Australia bats first, considering their depth and ability to chase, a par score would be 160-170, especially as wickets can fall due to spin pressure. Both teams have shown proficiency in accelerating in the final 5 overs, so expect a match where 170 could be a winning score.

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is traditionally slow and low, offering assistance to spinners from the 6th over onwards. Historically, the average first-innings score here in T20s hovers around 165 runs. Chasing sides have a record win percentage of approximately 52%, indicating a fair contest between bat and ball. Weather is expected to be clear with mild temperatures around 21°C and no rain forecast, ensuring no interruptions. The ground’s slow outfield means running between wickets and smart stroke play will be instrumental. Best performing bowler here: Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) with 4 wickets in his last match at Gaddafi. Best performing batsman here: Babar Azam (Pakistan) holds the highest score of 89* in T20s at this stadium. Record: Pakistan’s highest team total at Gaddafi in T20Is is 190/4, while Australia’s best individual innings is Aaron Finch’s 75.

Matches Played	Pakistan Wins	Australia Wins
22	12	10

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
Pakistan	W, L, W, W, L
Australia	W, W, L, L, W

Babar Azam: Pakistan’s captain and top-order batsman is in prime form, averaging 48 in the series with consistent boundary hitting and steady temperament.

Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s pace spearhead known for early breakthroughs and controlling death overs; has taken 7 wickets in last 3 matches.

Mohammad Rizwan: A reliable middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper, Rizwan provides acceleration and anchors innings well in pressure situations.

Aaron Finch: Australia’s aggressive opener has scored two half-centuries in this series, starting the innings fast and setting the tempo well.

Glenn Maxwell: The all-rounder brings explosive batting in the middle overs coupled with handy off-spin; averages 38 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pat Cummins: Australia’s lead pacer, effective in all phases, particularly the death overs with yorkers and variations, recently taking 5 wickets in last two games.