The second match of the series returns to Lahore on Saturday night as Pakistan look to press their advantage against Australia after a gripping series opener that underlined just how influential conditions will be in this contest. With both sides firmly in World Cup preparation mode, the focus now shifts to adjustments, particularly against spin, on another demanding Gaddafi Stadium surface.
Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to support our site and help to keep our content free by signing up to one of our best sports betting sites.
Pakistan vs Australia Preview & Betting Tips
Lahore, Thursday 29th January, 10:00pm 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 punchy 39 off 27 balls that included four sixes, before Pakistan’s spinners took control of the game in the second innings. The home side may feel they left runs out there after a strong powerplay, but their ability to adapt as the pitch slowed proved decisive.
There were still some talking points for Pakistan, particularly around Babar Azam. The star batter endured another quiet outing, making 24 off 20 before being dismissed by Zampa in a bizarre DRS sequence that summed up the chaos of the night. While his BBL struggles are well documented, Pakistan will back their premier batter 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 plenty from the first game despite falling 22 runs short in the chase. Xavier Bartlett struck with the very first ball of the match and Adam Zampa was outstanding through the middle overs, finishing with excellent figures of 4 for 24 to drag the visitors back into the contest after Pakistan’s strong start. Debutant Mahli Beardman also impressed late, claiming 2 for 33 and nearly snaring a hat trick in the final over as Pakistan were restricted to just 31 runs in their last five overs.
The major concern for Australia was their batting against spin. Chasing 169, they were held to 8 for 146 as six wickets fell to the turning ball, and a costly run out between Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw stalled momentum at a crucial point. Green top scored with a composed 36, while Travis Head’s brisk 23 gave early intent, but as the pitch slowed and the ball softened, scoring became increasingly difficult. Adam Zampa was candid post match, describing the conditions as alien for some of the younger players, while also acknowledging that spin heavy surfaces will be a major feature early in the World Cup, particularly in Sri Lanka.
Match Prediction
Saturday’s contest shapes as a critical test of adaptability for Australia. The bowling unit showed it has the tools to compete, particularly through Zampa and the emerging quicks, but the batting group must find a way to rotate strike and manage spin far more effectively. Pakistan, by contrast, 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 look capable of squaring the series. With lessons learned from the opening game and a clearer understanding of how the pitch plays, expect a more measured batting approach built around partnerships and strike rotation. If they can reduce the damage done by Pakistan’s spinners, Australia have enough depth and power to turn the tables and level the series in Lahore.
Australia to Win
$1.62 (3 Units)
Player Prop
From a player prop perspective, Travis Head to bounce back with a strong scoring contribution shapes as the play. The No.8 ranked T20 batter in the world thrives on taking the game on early, and even on tougher surfaces his intent can shift momentum quickly. Head averages 29.0 in T20 internationals while striking at an elite 157, and after showing positive signs at the top in the first game without converting, this looks like a prime spot for him to make a statement and lead Australia’s response.
Head top AUS runscorer
$5.75
