The second match of the series returns to Lahore on Saturday evening Pakistan will be looking to capitalize on their lead against Australia after a gripping series opener that underlined how influential the conditions will be in this match. With both sides firmly in World Cup preparation mode, the focus now shifts to adjustments, especially against spin, on another demanding Gaddafi Stadium surface.
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Preview and betting odds between Pakistan and Australia
Lahore, Thursday, January 29, 10:00 PM AEDT
Pakistan
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Pakistan will be buoyed by a disciplined all-round performance that showed their comfort in home conditions. Salman Ali Agha led confidently, contributing a spirited 39 off 27 balls, including four sixes, before the Pakistani spinners took control of the match in the second innings. The home side may have felt like they were down a point after a strong power play, but their ability to adapt as the pitch slowed down proved decisive.
There were still some talking points for Pakistan, especially around Babar Azam. The star player had another quiet display, making 24 of 20 before being sent off by Zampa in a bizarre DRS sequence that summed up the chaos of the night. While his BBL problems are well documented, Pakistan will back their top batsman to respond quickly, especially on familiar surfaces where timing and patience are rewarded.
Australia
Australia: Mitch Marsh, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia will take full advantage of the first match despite falling 22 points short in the chase. Xavier Bartlett struck with the very first ball of the match and Adam Zampa was outstanding in the middle overs, finishing with excellent figures of 4 for 24, dragging the visitors back into the match after Pakistan’s strong start. Debutant Mahli Beardman also impressed late on, claiming 2 for 33 and almost scoring a hat-trick in the final over as Pakistan were restricted to just 31 runs in their last five overs.
The biggest concern for Australia was their struggle against spin. Chasing 169, they were held to 8 for 146 when six wickets fell on the spinning ball, and a costly run-out between Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw halted the momentum at a crucial point. Green top scored with a calm 36, while Travis Head’s lively 23 provided some early intent, but as the pitch slowed and the ball softened, scoring became increasingly difficult. Adam Zampa was candid after the match, describing the conditions as strange for some younger players, while also acknowledging that tough surfaces will be a key feature at the start of the World Cup, especially in Sri Lanka.
Match prediction
Saturday’s match will be a critical test of Australia’s adaptability. The bowling unit showed it has the tools to compete, especially through Zampa and the emerging quicks, but the batting group must find a way to rotate the strike and manage the spin much more effectively. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to double down on what worked, squeezing through the middle overs and trusting their bowlers to defend modest totals.
Despite the loss, Australia still seems capable of squaring the series. With lessons learned from the opening match and a better understanding of how the pitch plays, expect a more measured batting approach built around partnerships and batting rotation. If they can limit the damage from the Pakistani spinners, Australia have enough depth and strength to turn the tables and level the series in Lahore.
Australia wins
$1.62 (3 units)
Player Prop
From a player support perspective, Travis Head will bounce back with a strong scoring contribution throughout the game. The world T20 ranked No. 8 thrives when he starts the match early, and even on tougher surfaces his intention can quickly change momentum. Head averages 29.0 in T20 internationals while scoring at an elite 157, and after showing positive signs at the top in the first game without converting, this looks like an excellent place for him to make a statement and lead Australia’s response.
Main AUS points scorer
$5.75
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