Pakistan vs Australia 2nd T20I: who will seal victory in Lahore today?

WEB DESK: The second T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Australia will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, today at 4pm. After an electrifying first match, Pakistan holds a lead, courtesy of a strong all-round performance that gave them the upper hand.

In the opening encounter, Pakistan posted 168 for 8, with Saim Ayub and Salman Agha forming a 74-run partnership that set the foundation for a competitive total. Ayub’s 40 off 22 balls and Agha’s 39 off 27 propelled Pakistan to a solid start, while Usman Khan’s late cameo helped maintain momentum despite early struggles from Babar Azam (24) and Fakhar Zaman (10).

Australia’s chase never truly recovered after initial sparks from Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw. Despite a 40-run partnership between them, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed (2 for 10) and backed by intelligent fielding and run-outs, steadily dismantled the Australian lineup. Adam Zampa (4 for 24) attempted to claw back control, but the hosts maintained a decisive edge.

Key Battles to Watch in the Second T20I

With Pakistan leading the series, the second match promises a clash of strategies. Saim Ayub, continuing his aggressive form, could again dominate the powerplay, while Salman Agha is likely to provide vital support at the other end. Pakistan’s spinners and pace attack, particularly Abrar Ahmed, will aim to exploit any Australian missteps early in the innings.

Australia, on the other hand, will rely on their depth and firepower to recover. Players like Travis Head, Cameron Green, and rising stars in their lineup will need to counter Pakistan’s home advantage and smart bowling strategies. The team will also look to adapt quickly after Rauf’s notable exclusion in the first match surprised the visitors and disrupted their plans.

Prediction: Pakistan Favoured at Home

Given Pakistan’s strong home record, cohesive batting partnerships, and disciplined bowling attack, they enter the second T20I as favourites. However, Australia’s ability to hit big shots and take key wickets under pressure means the contest could turn on a single brilliant performance.

If Pakistan repeats its first-match intensity and controls the middle overs while capitalising on Australia’s early nerves, they are likely to extend their series lead to 2-0. Australia, however, will need both tactical brilliance and consistent execution to keep the series alive.

Match Details:

• Match: Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd T20I, Australia tour of Pakistan 2026
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Date & Time: January 31, 2026, 4:00 PM PKT

The stage is set for another thrilling showdown as both teams fine-tune their lineups ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.