Pakistan and Australia lock horns for the second T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with Pakistan having taken a 1-0 lead. After a historic first T20I win, the Men in Green will look to consolidate their advantage, while Australia will aim to bounce back strongly.
Match details
Match: Pakistan vs Australia 2nd T20I
Series: Australia tour of Pakistan T20I Series 2026
Date: Saturday January 31 2026
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
Start time: 04:30 PM IST, 04:00 PM PST, 11:30 AM GMT
Teams: Pakistan vs Australia
Series Recap and Team Overview
Pakistan claimed a memorable first T20I victory by 22 runs, their first win against Australia in over seven years, ending a seven-match losing streak. Batting first, Pakistan posted 168/8, setting a competitive target. Their bowlers, particularly the spin quartet of Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub, exploited the pitch conditions expertly, stifling Australia after a promising powerplay.
Australia started positively with 57/2 in the first six overs but struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack in the middle and death overs. Travis Head and other senior batters will need to anchor the innings while pacing their approach carefully. For Pakistan, winning the second T20I would give them an unassailable lead and set a strong tone ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Key Players and Form Guide
Travis Head remains Australia’s key batter. He looked aggressive and in good touch during the first T20I, scoring 23 off 13 balls in the powerplay. His ability to attack early and anchor innings in pressure situations makes him a critical figure for the Men in Yellow. Cameron Green and Matthew Short will also play important roles in the middle order.
For Pakistan, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will continue to be pivotal with both bat and ball. Saim Ayub’s power hitting at the top and Abrar Ahmed’s leg-spin are likely to influence the game significantly if conditions remain spin-friendly. Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace attack, providing breakthroughs with the new ball.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and Australia have met 29 times in T20 internationals. Both sides are evenly matched historically, with 14 wins each, and one match ending in a tie or no result. Pakistan’s recent win has given them the psychological edge, but Australia will aim to restore parity in the series.
Pitch and Conditions Report
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore offered significant assistance to spinners during the first T20I. After the ball softened, scoring freely became difficult. The second T20I may see similar conditions, favoring spin bowlers and teams who bat first. If the pitch behaves similarly, early breakthroughs will be crucial for Australia, while Pakistan will look to leverage the surface to defend a modest total.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan probable XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha captain, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan wicketkeeper, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Australia probable XI
Matthew Short, Travis Head captain, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Phillipe wicketkeeper, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
In India, the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network, with streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website. Pakistani viewers can watch on official sports television channels and digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, the match will be available through licensed cricket broadcasters and digital streaming services. Australian audiences can follow the game on major sports networks and streaming apps. Global viewers can access coverage via regional broadcast partners and official cricket streaming platforms.
Match Prediction and Analysis
Australia enter the second T20I as favourites to bounce back, especially if the conditions remain spin-friendly but slightly challenging for run scoring. Pakistan will look to defend their first-match success and leverage the home advantage. If Australia’s top order, led by Travis Head, settles quickly, they have the firepower to chase down a moderate total. Considering recent form, pitch conditions, and team composition, Australia is likely to edge Pakistan in this contest, though a close finish is expected.
