Pakistan and Australia will face off in the decisive third ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, June 4, with the three-match series perfectly balanced at 1-1. After Australia’s impressive comeback in the second ODI, both teams now head into a high-pressure series decider aiming to finish the tour on a winning note.
Match details
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM IST, 4:30 PM PST, 11:30 AM GMT
Team Overviews
Pakistan
Pakistan started the ODI series strongly with a convincing victory in the opener but failed to carry the same momentum into the second match. Despite fighting performances from Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, the hosts lacked consistency across departments and eventually allowed Australia to level the series.
Pakistan’s batting unit will once again rely heavily on Babar Azam to stabilize the innings. Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat are expected to provide attacking starts, while Salman Agha and Abdul Samad add depth to the middle order.
The bowling attack remains Pakistan’s biggest strength in home conditions. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have consistently troubled Australia with pace and movement, while Abrar Ahmed and Arafat Minhas provide spin options suited to Lahore’s slowing surface.
Pakistan will aim to produce a more complete team performance in front of their home supporters during the series decider.
Probable Playing XI: Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Arafat Minhas, Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Australia
Australia responded strongly in the second ODI with a disciplined all-round performance to keep the series alive. Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, and Matthew Short all delivered crucial contributions as the visitors exposed Pakistan’s inconsistencies.
The Australian batting lineup showed greater composure in the previous match, especially during the middle overs. Matthew Short provided another solid start, while Matt Renshaw continued his impressive form in the series.
Australia’s bowling attack has also improved steadily. Nathan Ellis has emerged as the standout performer with his disciplined pace bowling, while Adam Zampa’s inclusion could strengthen Australia’s spin department for the slower Lahore conditions.
The visitors now carry momentum into the deciding ODI and will look to complete a strong comeback after losing the series opener.
Probable Playing XI: Australia
Alex Carey, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
Key Players
Matt Renshaw
Matt Renshaw has quietly become one of Australia’s most reliable batters during the series. The left-hander has scored 104 runs in two matches at an average of 52 and has shown impressive composure under pressure.
Nathan Ellis
Nathan Ellis has been Australia’s standout bowler in the ODI series. The right-arm pacer has claimed seven wickets at an exceptional average of 8.43 while consistently controlling the scoring rate during crucial phases.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam remains central to Pakistan’s batting plans. His ability to anchor innings and rotate strike efficiently becomes even more valuable on slower surfaces where stroke-making requires patience.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi’s leadership and new-ball bowling will play a major role in the decider. Pakistan will expect early breakthroughs from their captain against Australia’s improving top order.
Head-to-Head ODI Record
Australia continue to maintain the upper hand in the overall ODI rivalry despite Pakistan’s recent improvements at home.
Pakistan vs Australia ODI Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played: 113
Won by Pakistan: 37
Won by Australia: 72
Tied: 1
No Result: 3
The most recent fixture took place on June 2, 2026, when Australia secured victory in the second ODI to level the series.
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium surface has gradually become slower during the series, creating a more challenging batting environment. Batters are expected to spend time at the crease before attempting aggressive strokeplay, as the ball has not consistently come onto the bat smoothly.
Fast bowlers who vary pace and hit disciplined lengths could continue to enjoy assistance, especially during the early overs. Spinners are also likely to play an increasingly important role as the pitch slows further throughout the innings.
A total around 230 could become competitive under these conditions, particularly if bowlers apply pressure consistently through the middle overs.
Probable Match Scenarios
If Pakistan bat first, Babar Azam and Salman Agha will likely focus on building partnerships patiently before Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad accelerate late in the innings.
If Australia chase, Matthew Short and Josh Inglis may attempt to dominate the powerplay to reduce pressure against Pakistan’s spin attack later in the innings.
Bowling discipline will remain the defining factor in the decider. Pakistan’s pace attack could gain an advantage with the new ball, while Australia may depend heavily on Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa to control the middle overs.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
Pakistan: Live streaming and broadcast available on Sports TV YouTube channel.
India: Live streaming expected on FanCode and official regional sports platforms.
Australia: Live coverage expected on Fox Cricket and streaming on Kayo Sports.
United Kingdom: Live broadcast likely on Sky Sports Cricket and streaming on Sky Go and NOW.
United States and Canada: Coverage available through Willow TV.
Global Viewers: Availability depends on official regional broadcasting and streaming partners.
Match Prediction
The third ODI promises to be closely contested with both teams carrying momentum from different stages of the series. Pakistan possess the advantage of familiar home conditions and a bowling attack capable of exploiting Lahore’s slowing pitch.
Australia, however, showed significant improvement in the second ODI and now appear more settled with both bat and ball. Nathan Ellis’ excellent form and Matt Renshaw’s consistency strengthen their chances heading into the decider.
The surface is expected to reward disciplined bowling and patient batting rather than aggressive strokeplay. This factor could make partnerships and middle-over control extremely important.
Pakistan’s home advantage and stronger pace attack slightly improve their chances, but Australia’s confidence after leveling the series keeps the contest evenly balanced. The team batting first may hold a significant advantage if the pitch continues to slow down as expected. Pakistan enter the decider as marginal favorites.
