Pakistan and Australia will play their final match before announcing their final 15-man squad for the ICC T20 World Cup. Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia Playing XI will be their last chance to finalize their competitive XI before the marquee ICC tournament.
Pakistan have a good mix of both experienced and young talent and the home ground advantage is in their favour. Meanwhile, Australia are looking to improve their squad as some of their experienced stars are absent from the team and some are unavailable due to injuries.
This article provides information on the probable playing XIs for Pakistan and Australia in the second T20I as well as possible team combinations and key players to watch out for in Lahore.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia Playing XI-2nd T20I
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia – 1st T20I
Openers: Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
As per tradition, left-handed batsman Sam Ayub has returned to open the innings for Pakistan and will be seen as one of the most aggressive shot makers for Pakistan in the powerplay. The batting track helps him to score runs quickly in Lahore.
She will once again be paired opposite Sahibzada Farhan, who has carved a niche for himself through consistent performances. However, Farhan scored zero runs in the last game and will be keen to make a comeback in this match.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)., Mohammad Nawaz
Pakistan cricket team’s experienced campaigner Babar Azam will now once again be seen batting in the middle order, as new head coach Mike Hesson has demoted him. Captain Salman Aga will be helpful in controlling the pace of the innings with the experienced player.
Other middle-order batsmen included veteran Fakhar Zaman and finisher Usman Khan, who played solid roles. The two all-rounders include Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, who will be important for the team with both bat and ball.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah/Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Shaheen Afridi will make a comeback and is expected to perform well with the new ball. Shaheen brings a threat with him and will most likely be paired with Naseem Shah or Salman Mirza.
Leg spinner Abrar Ahmed has been included for his wicket-taking ability. He will complete the attack and control the middle phase of the innings.
Pakistan playing eleven: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza/Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.
Australia Playing XI vs Pakistan – 1st T20I
Openers: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh (C)
Travis Head is one of the only Australian players to appear in all three formats of the game. He will once again look to take advantage of the powerplay for Australia and captain Mitchell Marsh is all set to return for him in the second match.
Marsh had recently participated in the BBL final and hence was absent from the first match of the series. He has the subtle ability to dominate the innings in the first 6 overs and loves batting in Asia.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short/Mitchell Owen.
Cameron Green has got a new place in the Australia T20 team and he can bat at number three to lead the innings for Australia, as well as score runs at a fast pace after settling into the innings.
While Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly will be important to bat against the spinners in the middle overs, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will be their strongest man in the death overs. Mitchell Owen/Matt Short are both out of the XI until Tim David returns.
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Jack Edwards, Adam Zampa, Mahali Beardman
Xavier Bartlett will lead the Australian pace attack alongside youngster Mahali Beardman, who made her debut in the previous game. While Sydney Sixers bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards is also likely to get a place in the XI.
Adam Zampa remains Australia’s most experienced bowler and the team’s only frontline spinner. He showed how effective he can be in the subcontinent by taking 4 wickets in the first match against Pakistan.
Australia playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short/Mitch Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Jack Edwards, Adam Zampa and Mahali Beardman.
Also Read: PAK vs AUS Match Prediction: Who will win the 2nd T20I? australia tour pakistan 2026
