Pakistan is going to be hosting Australia in Pakistan after a gap of over two decades. To say this series is historic is an understatement. Australia does not have the best record against India in Test Matches but it has had a lot of success against Pakistan in the past.

However, not a single player from the Australian squad has played Test cricket in Pakistan before.

The cricket betting sites are offering odds that are very similar for both teams to win this match. This indicates that they are not sure which team has the upper hand before the start and that usually means some excellent betting odds for the punters.

Match prediction and cricket betting tips for Pakistan vs Australia 1st Test Match 2022. The match is going to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi starting on the 4th of March 2022.

PAK VS AUS TEAM PREVIEWS

PAKISTAN

Pakistan cricket has been on an upswing in recent months and there is no doubt that several high-quality youngsters are coming through the system. A lot of that success, though, has come in white-ball cricket. Test cricket has still proven to be a tough nut for Pakistan to crack, although it is much stronger at home.

Pakistan’s batting could throw up some surprises and it will be interesting to see how they lineup. Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Azhar Ali, and Abdullah Shafique seem to be locked into the starting eleven. We think Shan Masood will find a place at the top of the order as well with Imam ul Haq being left out.

Mohammad Rizwan is the first-choice wicketkeeper and another excellent batsman to add depth to the lineup.

In-home conditions, on what is expected to be a flat track, we can see this batting lineup give a stiff fight to the Aussies. Fawad Alam would be our pick for the Top Batsmen Pakistan betting Market.

The bowling attack for Pakistan is going to be led by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali. Naseem Shah may end up being the third bowler or Mohammad Wasim Jr could get the nod because of his better batting ability. Either way, this is a solid bowling lineup.

The lead spinner is likely to be Nauman Ali. Not the greatest of spinners but maybe Australia self-destructs against him. Pakistan is a good team but it has a few weaknesses that can be exploited.

AUSTRALIA

Australia would think it has an excellent chance of winning this Test Match. It is bringing a full-strength team to Pakistan and is likely to encounter conditions that are easier to play on than say somewhere like India. David Warner, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head are likely to be batsmen that make the playing eleven.

This is a solid batting lineup with a lot of experience of playing in spin-friendly conditions. We are backing them to score the runs needed to put Pakistan under pressure.

Alex Carey will be the wicket-keeper batsman likely at 7 but could also move up to 6 if Australia decides to play an extra bowler.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland seem certain to start the first Test. This is, once again, an exceptional bowling attack.

Pat Cummins will use any reverse-swing on offer, Josh Hazelwood and Scott Boland will attack with the new ball, and Nathan Lyon will play the role of attacking spinner. We may see Ashton Agar get a game in place of one of the batsmen if that is the direction Australia decides to go in.

This is a very strong Test team and should not be counted out just because it is playing in Pakistan.

PAKISTAN VS AUSTRALIA MATCH DETAILS:

Match: Pakistan vs Australia, 1st Test
Date and Time: March 4, 2022; 10:30 AM IST
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

PAKISTAN VS AUSTRALIA PITCH REPORT

Back in 2020, Naseem Shah picked up a hat-trick against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, meaning the pacers will get some help from the surface. As the game moves along, the spinners may also come into play. Winning the toss and batting first should be the way forward.

PAKISTAN VS AUSTRALIA WEATHER REPORT

The playing conditions on day one will be clear, but there will be cloud cover from the second day onwards. There is a chance of rain on Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, the weather is again expected to stay clear. The temperature will be around the 21-degree Celsius mark.

PAKISTAN VS AUSTRALIA MATCH PREDICTION

Pakistan has done well at home in recent times. The Aussies may find it tough to tackle their spin attack. Pakistan will go into the match as slight favorites.