PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I: Can Pakistan Seal the Series in Lahore Today?
Date: January 31, 2026 | Series Status: Pakistan Leads 1-0 | Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Pakistan looks to clinch the series at Gaddafi Stadium today.
The action continues in Lahore today as Pakistan takes on Australia in the 2nd T20I of the 3-match series. The hosts drew first blood on Thursday, breaking a long losing streak against the Kangaroos with a convincing 22-run victory.
For the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan side, a win today means sealing the series on home soil right before the T20 World Cup. For Australia, who are fielding a relatively inexperienced side, today is a do-or-die battle.
📅 Match Details
- Match: Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd T20I
- Date: Today, Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM IST / 4:00 PM Local (PKT)
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Live Streaming: FanCode (India), A Sports/Ten Sports (Pakistan)
🔙 Series Recap: 1st T20I Highlights
Pakistan put up a solid show in the opener. Batting first, they posted 168/8, thanks to a fiery 40 (22) from opener Saim Ayub. In reply, Australia struggled against the spin. Despite Adam Zampa’s brilliant 4-wicket haul, the Aussie batters couldn't chase it down, restricted to 146/8.
🏟️ Pitch Report: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium is known to be a batter's paradise initially but tends to slow down as the game progresses.
- Spin to Win: As seen in the first match, spinners will play a crucial role in the middle overs.
- The Dew Factor: Lahore evenings can be heavy with dew. The captain winning the toss will likely bowl first.
- Par Score: A target of 175-185 is necessary to feel safe against this Australian lineup.
🏏 Team News & Probable Playing XI
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Pakistan found a winning combination and is unlikely to tinker much. Shaheen Afridi led the pace attack well, and the spin trio of Shadab, Abrar, and Salman Agha will be key again.
- Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia is missing big names like Cummins and Maxwell. Mitchell Marsh might return today to bolster the batting, potentially replacing one of the debutants.
- Probable XI: Travis Head (C), Matt Short, Josh Philippe (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie/Mitchell Marsh, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
⚔️ Key Battles to Watch
- Saim Ayub vs. Adam Zampa: Ayub was aggressive in the powerplay, but Zampa’s variations caused chaos in the middle overs.
- Babar Azam vs. Pace: How Babar handles the extra bounce of Spencer Johnson will be interesting.
- Travis Head vs. Shaheen Afridi: Head attacks from ball one, and Shaheen hunts for toes. Expect fireworks in the first over.
🏆 Match Prediction
Pakistan has the momentum, the home conditions, and a full-strength squad compared to Australia's experimental lineup. The spin factor in Lahore heavily favors the home team.
Prediction: Pakistan to win comfortably and seal the series 2-0 today.
❓ FAQ
Is Mitchell Marsh playing today?
There is a strong chance he returns today to lead the side or play as a specialist batter after arriving late for the first game.
Where can I watch PAK vs AUS?
The series is being streamed live on the FanCode app (India) and A Sports (Pakistan).