Pakistan and Australia will meet in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, June 2, with the hosts aiming to seal the series after a strong opening victory. Australia, meanwhile, must bounce back quickly to keep the series alive and force a decider in the final ODI.
Match details
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM IST, 4:30 PM PST, 11:30 AM GMT
Team Overviews
Pakistan
Pakistan enter the second ODI with momentum firmly on their side after securing a convincing five-wicket win in the series opener. The hosts delivered a complete performance in the first match, combining disciplined bowling with composed batting during the chase.
Arafat Minhas emerged as the standout performer with the ball after claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul. His control through the middle overs prevented Australia from building momentum and proved decisive in restricting the visitors to a manageable total.
Pakistan’s batting lineup also responded strongly under pressure. Babar Azam once again anchored the innings with calm authority, while Ghazi Ghori played a crucial supporting role during the chase. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will expect another disciplined bowling performance, especially with Lahore conditions likely to assist fast bowlers early.
The hosts now have an excellent opportunity to clinch the series in front of their home supporters with one match remaining.
Probable Playing XI: Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Australia
Australia struggled to build partnerships consistently during the first ODI and eventually paid the price despite a disciplined effort from their bowling attack. The visitors now face a must-win situation heading into Lahore.
Matthew Short provided the biggest positive for Australia in the opening match with a composed half-century at the top of the order. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis will also need to deliver stronger performances if Australia want to level the series.
The bowling unit managed to keep the contest competitive despite limited scoreboard pressure. Nathan Ellis and Billy Stanlake maintained disciplined lines, while Tanveer Sangha showed promise in the middle overs.
Australia will now aim for a more aggressive batting approach to counter Pakistan’s in-form bowling attack.
Probable Playing XI: Australia
Matthew Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Kuhnemann
Key Players
Matthew Short
Matthew Short impressed in the first ODI with a well-constructed 55 at the top of the order. The Australian opener paced his innings intelligently and handled Pakistan’s pace attack effectively during the powerplay overs.
Arafat Minhas
Arafat Minhas enters the second ODI as Pakistan’s key bowling threat after producing a match-winning five-wicket haul in the series opener. His accuracy and ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions make him extremely dangerous in Lahore.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s batting pillar in ODI cricket. His composure under pressure and ability to control the tempo of innings make him central to Pakistan’s chances of sealing the series.
Cameron Green
Cameron Green’s all-round capabilities provide balance to Australia’s lineup. The visitors will need him to contribute significantly with both bat and ball in a must-win contest.
Head-to-Head ODI Record
Australia still maintain the advantage in the overall ODI rivalry despite Pakistan’s recent victory in the series opener.
Pakistan vs Australia ODI Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played: 112
Won by Pakistan: 37
Won by Australia: 71
Tied: 1
No Result: 3
The two teams last met on May 30, 2026, when Pakistan secured a five-wicket victory.
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium surface is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters who spend time at the crease should find run-scoring easier as the innings progresses, while reckless strokeplay could prove costly early on.
Fast bowlers are likely to receive assistance with the new ball, particularly during the opening overs under evening conditions. Seam movement and extra bounce could make batting challenging initially.
Spinners may also come into play later in the innings if the pitch begins to slow down. Teams batting first could target scores in the 250-plus range, especially because defending totals at Lahore has historically remained competitive in ODI cricket.
Probable Match Scenarios
If Pakistan bat first, Babar Azam and Salman Agha could focus on constructing partnerships through the middle overs before accelerating late in the innings. Pakistan’s bowling attack would then look to pressure Australia early with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
If Australia chase, Matthew Short and Josh Inglis may adopt an aggressive powerplay approach to avoid allowing Pakistan’s spinners to dominate the middle phase.
Bowling discipline could once again determine the result. Pakistan’s balanced attack appears better suited to Lahore conditions, while Australia need improved batting partnerships to stay competitive deep into the innings.
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
Pakistan head into the second ODI with confidence after dominating key moments in the series opener. Their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Arafat Minhas, appears better adapted to home conditions and capable of controlling Australia’s batting lineup once again.
Australia still possess enough quality to respond strongly, especially if Matthew Short, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis deliver collectively. However, their inability to build substantial partnerships in the first ODI remains a major concern.
Lahore’s balanced conditions should create a competitive contest, but Pakistan’s stronger recent momentum and home advantage slightly improve their chances of securing another victory.
If Pakistan’s bowlers strike early and Babar Azam anchors the chase or first innings effectively, the hosts could wrap up the series with one game remaining. Pakistan enter the match as slight favorites.
