The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia stays at the Gaddafi Stadium for its second fixture, with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead. Pakistan secured a gritty 22-run victory in the opener, successfully defending 168 thanks to Saim Ayub’s all-round heroics and Abrar Ahmed’s bamboozling spin. For the Aussies, this is a must-win encounter to keep the series alive. Their makeshift squad, missing several regulars due to BBL commitments and managed workloads, showed flashes of brilliance with the ball but struggled to maintain composure during a chase that slipped away in the middle overs.
PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 31 (Saturday); 4:30 pm IST / 11:00 am GMT / 4:00 pm LOCAL
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is):
Matches played: 29 | Australia won: 13 | Pakistan won: 15 | No results: 1
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch for the second T20I is expected to play similarly to the first, offering a typical subcontinental surface that favors batters early on but rewards disciplined spin bowling. In the series opener, the ball gripped for the slower bowlers, making life difficult for the chasing side once the Powerplay ended. Historically, Lahore has been a high-scoring venue, but with the T20 World Cup just a week away, the curators seem to be providing surfaces that test tactical middle-over play. Given the success of Pakistan’s spinners in defending a total, the captain winning the toss might actually buck the trend and bat first to avoid chasing against a quality spin duo under pressure, though the evening dew remains a factor.
Pakistan vs Australia: Team dynamics and key players
Pakistan: Under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan looks settled and confident. The return of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi has provided the necessary veteran presence. Saim Ayub is currently the man of the hour, proving his utility with both a brisk 40 and crucial wickets. However, the top order featuring Sahibzada Farhan, who fell for a golden duck in the first game, will be eager to provide a more stable platform. The mystery factor of Abrar Ahmed remains Pakistan’s biggest weapon in neutralizing Australia’s middle-order aggression.
Australia: Despite the loss, Australia’s bowling unit was a major positive. Adam Zampa was clinical with 4/24, showing why he remains one of the best in the business. The batting, however, looked top-heavy. Stand-in captain Travis Head and Cameron Green provided starts but couldn’t convert them into match-winning knocks. The visitors will need more from Josh Philippe and the debutants if they are to level the series. With Xavier Bartlett and Mahli Beardman providing genuine pace and swing, Australia have the tools to rattle Pakistan’s line-up if they can find early breakthroughs.
PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
- Pakistan powerplay score: 48-58 (6 overs)
- Pakistan total score: 170-185
Case 2:
- Australia wins the toss and bats first
- Australia powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- Australia total score: 160-175
Match result: Pakistan to win the contest and seal the series.
Also READ: Here’s why the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series is not being broadcast in India
