Australia vs Pakistan Prediction: Australia won the series after second game

Australia and Pakistan are going head to head in the 3rd Match of the Test Series at Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia on 02 Jan 2024. Pakistan put up a fight in the second test but Australia prevailed and won the series. Who will win this game of cricket?

Australia poses a considerable challenge for touring teams, not only due to the challenging playing conditions, but also because their own players tend to excel in their home country. The leading Australian players have significantly better home records compared to their performances away, showcasing their resilience as a team. Throughout the ongoing series against Pakistan, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc have all made significant contributions. These players, including Warner who will be playing his final Test, are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming third Test in Sydney. It is anticipated that Warner will make a strong impact as he aggressively attacks the Pakistani bowlers, potentially placing them under pressure. Another player to watch out for is Marnus Labuschagne, who displayed determination in the previous match and is capable of making a significant contribution. Australia's batting lineup is in good form, and even if they lose early wickets, they possess the depth to stage a comeback. Australia's bowling attack is also formidable, with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon compensating for the slightly below-par performances of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood. Lyon, in particular, could have a remarkable Test, with spin playing a pivotal role from the third day onwards. All factors seem to favor the Australians, although there is a potential risk if the pitch starts to spin early and lacks pace, which could give the Pakistani bowlers an opportunity to make an impact.

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan displayed greater determination and aggressiveness during the previous match, both with their batting and bowling skills. They created more opportunities and put Australia on the defensive. However, their poor catching ability cost them several easy chances. While Pakistan played relatively better than Australia for a brief period, it was not sufficient to secure a Test match victory. Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan showed promise in their counter-attacking approach, but unfortunately, they failed to capitalize on their starts. Shan Masood has been the standout performer for Pakistan, especially in his battle against Nathan Lyon. However, Pakistan may lack the necessary batting depth and talent to defeat Australia. Despite this, Pakistan's bowling attack improved significantly with the inclusion of Mir Hamza. There are rumors of Shaheen Afridi being rested for the final test, but it is unlikely. The availability of Abrar Ahmed is also uncertain, but his inclusion could strengthen Pakistan's bowling attack. A major concern for Pakistan is the lack of runs from Babar Azam, who was expected to make a substantial contribution. His vulnerability to incoming deliveries is becoming problematic. If Azam can overcome his limitations and play freely, he could provide Pakistan with a chance to compete. However, overall, it seems unlikely that Pakistan will secure a victory, although they may be able to put up a good fight once again.

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Faheem Ashraf, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Wasim

The team that wins the coin toss will likely choose to bat first. The weather in Sydney is expected to be windy but dry throughout the Test match, indicating the potential for another result and allowing the pitch to reveal its true nature. Scoring runs in the first innings is crucial for both teams as the scores are expected to become increasingly challenging. A target of around 350 runs in the first innings can be considered average.

We believe Australia will emerge as the victors once again, though the odds may not be the most favorable. However, all the top betting sites are offering an approximate return of 40%. It would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity and hedge your bets as the match progresses. A 17th consecutive win for Australia is not only possible but also highly likely. Therefore, it is recommended to place a bet on Australia to win.