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The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is all set to begin with a blockbuster clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

Two sides will be colliding against each other in what is being seen as a crucial preparation phase for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

PAK vs AUS match preview

Australia are coming into this series after defeating a strong Indian side in their last ODI outing last year. The defending ODI World Cup champions have once again assembled a promising squad under the leadership of Josh Inglis.

With several senior stars missing from the squad, this series presents a huge opportunity for the younger players to make a statement at the international level. Players like Matt Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha and Cameron Green will be under the spotlight as Australia begin another important phase of their preparation for the ODI World Cup 2027.

Pakistan, the hosts are expected to feature a near full-strength side for this ODI series. However, Pakistan’s performances in international cricket over the last couple of years have been extremely disappointing and inconsistent.

Their recent ODI defeat against Bangladesh exposed several flaws within the side and the team is now under massive pressure to turn things around quickly. Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan will once again rely heavily on experienced names like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

The management has constantly experimented with different combinations and players from the domestic circuit, but Pakistan are still searching for stability and consistency in the ODI format. Their bowling attack, which was once regarded as their biggest strength, has also struggled badly in pressure situations recently.

PAK vs AUS ODI head-to-head record

Matches Played: 111
Australia Won: 71
Pakistan Won: 36
No Result: 4

PAK vs AUS key players

Cameron Green

Cameron Green will once again be one of the most important players for Australia in this ODI series. The Australian all-rounder has been brilliant across formats over the last few years and continues to grow as a complete cricketer.

With an ODI batting average of around 41, Green has already established himself as a dependable middle-order batter. Apart from his batting abilities, he can also contribute heavily with the ball by bowling crucial overs in the middle phase.

Babar Azam

Babar Azam will undoubtedly be the biggest hope for Pakistan heading into this series.

The former Pakistan captain has not been in his best form for quite some time now, but his performances during the recent PSL once again showcased glimpses of his class in white-ball cricket. Pakistan will desperately want Babar to step up strongly in this important ODI series.

With more than 6,500 ODI runs already to his name, Babar knows exactly how to handle pressure situations and anchor the innings in difficult conditions.

PAK vs AUS predicted playing XIs

Pakistan Predicted XI: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Rohail Nazir (wk), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim

Australia Predicted XI: Josh Inglis (c & wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Short, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa

PAK vs AUS match prediction

Pakistan have looked completely clueless in international cricket over the last couple of years. They have constantly struggled to identify the right combinations and have repeatedly experimented with players from the domestic setup without achieving much success.

Even their bowling attack, which was once regarded as one of the most dangerous in world cricket, has lost its consistency and sharpness in recent times.

Australia, on the other hand, continue to remain one of the most clinical and dominant sides in ODI cricket despite not featuring some of their biggest stars. The defending world champions know exactly how to perform under pressure and have historically dominated this format since its inception.

Prediction: Australia to win the PAK vs AUS match

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