AUS vs PAK Match Preview- 1st T20I, Pakistan tour of Australia 2024

The 1st AUS vs PAK T20I will take place on Thursday (November 14) at the Gabba, Brisbane. The game is scheduled to start at 6 PM local time and 1:30 PM IST.

Squads:

Australia:

Josh Inglis will be leading Australia in the first AUS vs PAK T20I. He will become Australia's 14th T20I captain.

Pakistan:

Pakistan will be led by Mohammad Rizwan. It will be his first match since being named Pakistan's full-time T20I captain.

AUS vs PAK Key Battles:

Shaheen Afridi vs Jake Fraser-McGurk:

This is one battle that could decide the outcome of the first AUS vs PAK T20I. Jake Fraser-McGurk's hard-hitting ability is not a secret anymore as the youngster is capable of blowing away just any team on his day. However, he struggled against Pakistan's quality pacers in the ODI series.

Afridi dismissed him with an inswinging delivery in the second ODI and will be eyeing more success against him in the first T20I. Pakistan will be hoping that they get rid of the right-handed batsman very early.

Haris Rauf vs Josh Inglis:

This is another battle that could be very critical in deciding the outcome of the match. While Josh Inglis would be looking to lead his team from the front, he will have his task cut out against Haris Rauf. The Pakistan pacer has been in stunning form.

Rauf finished the ODI series as the highest wicket-taker, taking 10 wickets including a 5-wicket haul. He also dismissed Inglis once during the series.

Xavier Bartlett vs Babar Azam:

One of the most consistent batsmen in the world, Babar Azam would be looking to give his team a good start. However, he could face a big challenge if Australia decides to give the new ball to local boy Xavier Bartlett. On the bouncy track of Gabba, Bartlett could make lives difficult for the Pakistan top-order.

AUS vs PAK Key Players

AUS: For Australia, the likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Xavier Bartlett, and Spencer Johnson will be some of the key players.

PAK: For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah could be the key players.

Weather And Pitch Report:

The start of the third AUS vs PAK T20I could be delayed due to rain. According to the weather forecast, there is a high chance of rain during the afternoon. The game will be starting at 6 PM local time and the probability of rain at that time is around 32 percent.

The chances of rain will decrease after 6 PM. Earlier on Wednesday (November 13), Brisbane faced heavy rain and storm during the evening.

Talking about the pitch report, the bowlers will get ample support from the surface. The Gabba is known for its pace and bounce and pacers from both sides will be looking to make the most of it.

Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar rips apart BCCI policy for India vs Australia Test after Gautam Gambhir bashing

Conclusion:

With Pakistan looking to continue their fine run and Australia desperate to bounce back after the dismal show in ODIs, the upcoming AUS vs PAK T20I promises to be a thrilling affair.