Pakistan vs Australia 2nd T20I 2026: Preview, Predictions, Teams & Live Streaming Details
Match Overview: Pakistan Look to Seal Series with 2-0 Lead
After their stunning 22-run victory in the first T20I that ended a seven-year winless drought against Australia, Pakistan will enter the second T20I on January 31, 2026, with immense confidence. The Green Shirts dominated the proceedings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with an outstanding all-round performance led by Man of the Match Saim Ayub.
Australia, fielding a second-string squad without key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis, will be desperate to bounce back and level the three-match series before heading into the T20 World Cup 2026.
Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs Australia – 2nd T20I Date: Friday, January 31, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM PKT | 10:00 PM AEDT | 4:30 PM IST Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan Series Status: Pakistan leads 1-0
1st T20I Recap: Pakistan’s Historic 22-Run Victory
Match Summary
Pakistan: 168/8 in 20 overs (Saim Ayub 40, Salman Ali Agha 39, Adam Zampa 4/24) Australia: 146/8 in 20 overs (Cameron Green 36, Xavier Bartlett 34*, Abrar Ahmed 2/10, Saim Ayub 2/29) Result: Pakistan won by 22 runs Player of the Match: Saim Ayub (40 runs & 2 wickets)
This was Pakistan’s first T20I victory over Australia in 2,650 days (since October 28, 2018, in Dubai). The win came at the perfect time, just days before both teams head to the T20 World Cup 2026, giving Pakistan a massive morale boost.
Key Highlights from 1st T20I
Pakistan’s Batting Performance:
- Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha put on a brilliant 74-run partnership
- Pakistan raced to 56/1 in the powerplay—their joint-highest against Australia in T20Is
- Babar Azam struggled with 24 off 20 balls
- Fakhar Zaman found it difficult to get going
Australia’s Bowling:
- Adam Zampa was exceptional with 4/24 in 4 overs
- Xavier Bartlett picked up 2/26
- Debutants Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw got their first caps
Australia’s Chase:
- Travis Head was dismissed for 23 after a stunning catch by Babar Azam
- Cameron Green top-scored with 36 runs
- Pakistan’s spinners—Abrar Ahmed (2/10) and Saim Ayub (2/29)—strangled the middle order
- Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa’s 34-run partnership for the 9th wicket became Australia’s highest-ever for that wicket in T20Is
Pakistan Squad for 2nd T20I: Full Player List
Captain Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead Pakistan with confidence after the first match victory.
Pakistan T20I Squad (15 Players):
Batsmen:
- Sahibzada Farhan – Opener, late bloomer who made his debut against Australia in 2018
- Saim Ayub – Explosive left-handed opener, Player of the Match in 1st T20I
- Babar Azam – Former captain, all-time leading T20I run-scorer
- Fakhar Zaman – Hard-hitting left-hander
All-rounders: 5. Salman Ali Agha (c) – Captain, batting at number 3, excellent against spin 6. Shadab Khan – Leg-spinner and middle-order batsman 7. Faheem Ashraf – Fast-bowling all-rounder 8. Mohammad Nawaz – Left-arm spinner and lower-order batsman
Wicket-keepers: 9. Usman Khan (wk) – Primary wicket-keeper batsman
Bowlers: 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Left-arm fast bowler, spearheads the pace attack 11. Naseem Shah – Right-arm fast bowler (replaces Haris Rauf who is unavailable) 12. Abrar Ahmed – Right-arm leg-spinner, excellent in 1st T20I with 2/10 13. Salman Ali Mirza – Right-arm medium-fast bowler 14. Khawaja Nafay – Batting all-rounder 15. Usman Tariq – Leg-spinner
Key Players to Watch:
- Saim Ayub: Currently in red-hot form, dangerous with both bat and ball
- Babar Azam: Needs to find his rhythm after struggling in the 1st T20I
- Abrar Ahmed: Pakistan’s spin weapon who can exploit Lahore conditions
- Shaheen Afridi: Must continue his wicket-taking prowess
Australia Squad for 2nd T20I: Full Player List
Captain Mitchell Marsh is expected to lead in the 2nd T20I after Travis Head captained in his absence during the first match (Marsh arrived in Pakistan less than 48 hours before the 1st T20I).
Australia T20I Squad (17 Players):
Batsmen:
- Travis Head – Dynamic opener, scored 23 in 1st T20I
- Matthew Short – Top-order batsman
- Matthew Renshaw – Made T20I debut in 1st match, scored 10 runs
All-rounders: 4. Mitchell Marsh (c) – Captain, powerful middle-order batsman and seam bowler 5. Cameron Green – Top-scored for Australia with 36 in 1st T20I 6. Marcus Stoinis – Experienced finisher and medium-pacer 7. Cooper Connolly – Young all-rounder 8. Jack Edwards – Debutant from 1st T20I, batting all-rounder
Wicket-keepers: 9. Josh Inglis (wk) – Primary keeper-batsman 10. Josh Philippe – Backup keeper, scored 12 in 1st T20I 11. Mitch Owen – Keeper-batsman
Bowlers: 12. Adam Zampa – Leg-spinner, best bowler in 1st T20I with 4/24 13. Sean Abbott – Right-arm fast bowler 14. Xavier Bartlett – Right-arm fast bowler, took 2/26 and scored 34* in 1st T20I 15. Ben Dwarshuis – Left-arm fast bowler, finished BBL 2025 with 16 wickets at economy of 7.85 16. Matthew Kuhnemann – Left-arm orthodox spinner 17. Mahli Beardman – Young fast bowler, made debut in 1st T20I
Absent Due to Injury/Rest:
- Pat Cummins (injury)
- Josh Hazlewood (injury)
- Tim David (injury)
- Nathan Ellis (injury)
- Glenn Maxwell (rested/managed workload)
News
Key Players to Watch:
- Mitchell Marsh: Expected to lead and provide stability
- Adam Zampa: Australia’s most threatening bowler, especially in death overs
- Travis Head: Needs a big score to justify his explosive reputation
- Ben Dwarshuis: Could be a key replacement option if Pat Cummins doesn’t recover for the T20 World Cup
Venue Analysis: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Stadium Stats
Capacity: 27,000 Pitch Type: Traditionally batting-friendly but slows down as match progresses Average 1st Innings Score: 165-175 in T20Is Toss Factor: Batting first has been advantageous recently
Recent T20I Record at Gaddafi Stadium
Pakistan has been dominant at this venue with six consecutive T20I victories before the 1st match against Australia. A win in the 2nd T20I would equal their record of seven straight wins at a single home venue (previously at National Stadium, Karachi from April 2008 to December 2021).
Pitch Behavior
According to reports from the 1st T20I, the pitch became slower as the ball got softer, making stroke-play difficult in the second half. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha mentioned that 170 was a good total on this surface because of how the pitch played.
Expected Conditions:
- Early pace and bounce for pacers
- Ball grips for spinners as match progresses
- Dew could be a factor in the evening, helping the chasing team
Head-to-Head: Pakistan vs Australia in T20Is
Overall T20I Record
- Total Matches: 27
- Australia Wins: 17
- Pakistan Wins: 10
- No Result: 0
Recent Form
- Australia had won their last two bilateral T20I series against Pakistan (3-0 in November 2024 and 2-0 in November 2019)
- Pakistan’s previous win before the 1st T20I was on October 28, 2018 (33-run victory in Dubai)
Key Stats
- Pakistan is undefeated in their last three bilateral T20I series before this one (W2 D1)
- Australia has been undefeated in their last five bilateral T20I series away from home (W4 D1)
- Australia scores 66% of their runs from boundaries in T20Is since 2025—best rate among all ICC full members
Match Predictions & Key Battles
Team Analysis
Pakistan Strengths: ✓ Exceptional spin bowling attack (Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz) ✓ Home conditions and crowd support ✓ Momentum from 1st T20I victory ✓ Saim Ayub in blistering form ✓ Strong middle-order with Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan Weaknesses: × Babar Azam’s recent poor form (14 off 15 balls before getting out for 24) × Fakhar Zaman struggling to find timing × Inconsistent death bowling in the first match
Australia Strengths: ✓ Adam Zampa’s wicket-taking ability (4/24 in 1st T20I) ✓ Travis Head and Cameron Green’s explosive batting ✓ Experience of Mitchell Marsh (if he plays) ✓ Lower-order fight (Bartlett’s 34* showed character)
Australia Weaknesses: × Missing five key T20 World Cup squad members × Lack of familiarity with Pakistan conditions × Middle-order collapses (80/5 in 1st T20I) × Spin bowling struggles against Pakistan’s spinners
Key Player Battles
1. Saim Ayub vs Adam Zampa Ayub’s aggressive approach against spin will be tested by Zampa’s variations. The young Pakistani has momentum, but Zampa is Australia’s most dangerous bowler.
2. Babar Azam vs Xavier Bartlett Babar needs to find form urgently before the T20 World Cup. Bartlett showed in the 1st T20I that he can trouble Pakistan’s best batsman with disciplined lines.
3. Shaheen Afridi vs Travis Head Head likes to attack from ball one, which could play into Shaheen’s hands. The Pakistani pacer must strike early to dent Australia’s chase or defense.
4. Abrar Ahmed vs Mitchell Marsh If Marsh plays, his ability to counter spin will be crucial. Abrar’s mystery deliveries and tight economy can strangle Australia’s middle overs.
Expert Predictions: Who Will Win?
Form Analysis
Pakistan:
- Won their last T20I against Australia (1st of this series)
- Undefeated in last three bilateral T20I series
- Six consecutive wins at Gaddafi Stadium before this series
- Strong home record
Australia:
- Lost 1st T20I by 22 runs
- Missing key players due to injury
- Three debutants still finding their feet
- Strong recent T20I away record (W4 D1) before this series
Prediction
Match Prediction: Pakistan 65% – Australia 35%
Reasoning:
- Home Advantage: Pakistan’s familiarity with Lahore conditions is massive
- Momentum: Winning the 1st T20I has boosted Pakistan’s confidence
- Spin Dominance: Pakistan’s spinners are perfectly suited for this pitch
- Australia’s Weakened Squad: Missing five first-choice T20 World Cup players significantly weakens Australia
- Crowd Factor: A packed Gaddafi Stadium will be overwhelmingly pro-Pakistan
Likely Winner: PAKISTAN
However, Australia has shown throughout their history that they can never be written off. If Mitchell Marsh returns to the XI and provides stability, and Adam Zampa continues his wicket-taking form, Australia could level the series.
Dark Horse Players Who Could Change the Game:
- Ben Dwarshuis (AUS): Fresh off an excellent BBL season, could surprise Pakistan
- Abrar Ahmed (PAK): If he replicates his 2/10 from the 1st T20I, Australia will struggle
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan Probable XI
- Sahibzada Farhan (Opener)
- Saim Ayub (Opener)
- Salman Ali Agha (c) (Top-order batsman/spinner)
- Babar Azam (Middle-order anchor)
- Fakhar Zaman (Finisher)
- Usman Khan (wk) (Wicket-keeper batsman)
- Shadab Khan (All-rounder)
- Mohammad Nawaz (All-rounder)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Fast bowler)
- Salman Ali Mirza (Fast bowler)
- Abrar Ahmed (Leg-spinner)
Changes Expected: Unlikely, as Pakistan won convincingly
Australia Probable XI
- Matthew Short (Opener)
- Travis Head (Opener)
- Mitchell Marsh (c) (All-rounder) – LIKELY RETURN
- Cameron Green (All-rounder)
- Josh Inglis (wk) (Wicket-keeper batsman)
- Marcus Stoinis (All-rounder) – POSSIBLE INCLUSION
- Cooper Connolly (All-rounder)
- Xavier Bartlett (Fast bowler)
- Adam Zampa (Leg-spinner)
- Ben Dwarshuis (Fast bowler) – POSSIBLE INCLUSION
- Mahli Beardman (Fast bowler)
Changes Expected:
- Mitchell Marsh likely to return as captain
- Marcus Stoinis could replace Matthew Renshaw to strengthen middle order
- Ben Dwarshuis might come in for Sean Abbott
Fantasy Cricket Tips: Dream11 Best Team
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Captain Options:
- Saim Ayub (PAK) – In blistering form, contributes with bat and ball
- Adam Zampa (AUS) – 4 wickets in last match, consistent performer
- Babar Azam (PAK) – Due for a big score, high ownership
Vice-Captain Options:
- Cameron Green (AUS) – Top-scored in 1st T20I
- Travis Head (AUS) – Explosive opener
- Salman Ali Agha (PAK) – Batting at #3, bowls useful overs
Dream11 Suggested Team
Wicket-keepers (1):
- Usman Khan (PAK)
Batsmen (3):
- Saim Ayub (PAK) – Captain
- Babar Azam (PAK)
- Travis Head (AUS)
All-rounders (3):
- Salman Ali Agha (PAK)
- Cameron Green (AUS) – Vice-Captain
- Shadab Khan (PAK)
Bowlers (4):
- Adam Zampa (AUS)
- Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
- Abrar Ahmed (PAK)
- Xavier Bartlett (AUS)
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Watch Online 2nd T20I Pakistan Vs Australia
Where to Watch in Pakistan
- TV Channel: PTV Sports, A Sports
- Online Streaming: YouTube (Official PCB Channel), Tapmad, UrduFlix
Where to Watch in Australia
- TV Channel: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports
- Online Streaming: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Cricket.com.au Live App
Where to Watch in India
- TV Channel: Star Sports Network
- Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
Where to Watch Globally
- YouTube: MR SAAD ALI Channel (for some regions)
- ICC.tv: Official ICC streaming platform
Note: Broadcast rights vary by region. Check local listings for availability.
Series Context: T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation
Why This Series Matters
Both Pakistan and Australia are using this three-match T20I series as final preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7, 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s World Cup Group: Pakistan will face India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia in Group A. The team is focused on finalizing their best XI and testing different combinations.
Australia’s World Cup Group: Australia will play all their group matches in Sri Lanka before potentially moving to India for knockout stages. They’ve packed their squad with spin options to exploit Sri Lankan conditions.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Bangladesh Controversy: The PCB is considering having players wear black armbands during the T20 World Cup as a symbolic protest after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament. An official statement is expected soon.
2. Pakistan’s World Cup Participation Uncertainty: Despite winning the 1st T20I, there’s ongoing uncertainty about Pakistan’s full participation in the T20 World Cup, with the PCB evaluating protest options.
3. Australia’s Injury Concerns: With Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis all injured, Australia’s World Cup squad depth is being tested. Players like Ben Dwarshuis are auditioning for potential replacement spots.
Conclusion: Can Pakistan Seal the Series?
With the confidence from their historic 1st T20I victory, Pakistan enters the 2nd match as favorites. The Green Shirts have shown they can dominate Australia with their spin bowling and aggressive batting approach in home conditions.
Australia, despite missing key players, remains a dangerous opponent. Mitchell Marsh’s return to the XI could provide the stability they lacked in the opening match, and Adam Zampa has proven he can single-handedly win matches with the ball.
The 2nd T20I promises to be a thrilling contest between Pakistan’s home dominance and Australia’s fighting spirit. A Pakistan win would seal the series and send them into the T20 World Cup with massive momentum. An Australia victory would level the series and set up a decider on February 1.Predicted Result: Pakistan to win by 15-20 runs Player to Watch: Saim Ayub (Pakistan) X-Factor: Abrar Ahmed’s spin could be decisive again