Pakistan and Australia will be playing their final contest before announcing their final 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup. Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia Playing XI will be their final chance to finalise their competitive XI ahead of the marquee ICC tournament.
Pakistan have a fine mix of both experienced and young talents and have the home advantage in their favour. Australia, meanwhile are looking to revamp their squad with some of its seasoned stars absent from the squad and some unavailable due to injuries.
This article provides the probable playing XIs for Pakistan and Australia in the second T20I, along with likely team combinations and key players to watch in Lahore.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia Playing XI—2nd T20I
Pakistan Playing XI vs Australia – 1st T20I
Openers: Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
As per convention, left-handed batter Saim 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 swiftly in Lahore.
He will once again be paired alongside Sahibzada Farhan, who went on to earn a place for himself through consistent performances. However, Farhan scored a duck in the previous game and would be looking forward to bouncing back this match.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz
Babar Azam, the seasoned campaigner for the Pakistan cricket team, will now once again be seen batting in the middle order, as he has been demoted by new head coach Mike Hesson. Salman Agha, the skipper, will be useful in controlling the tempo of the innings alongside the veteran.
The other batters in the middle order include the experienced Fakhar Zaman and the finisher Usman Khan, who played a convincing hand. The two all-rounders include Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, who will be crucial to the side with both bat and ball.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah/Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Shaheen Afridi will be back again and is expected to deliver with the new ball. Shaheen brings in a threat alongside himself and is most likely to be paired alongside Naseem Shah or Salman Mirza.
Abrar Ahmed, the leg spinner, has been included for his wicket-taking ability. He will be completing the attack and taking control of the middle phase of the innings.
Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan (wk), 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 Australia’s only constants for Australia across all three formats of the game. He will once again look to exploit the powerplay for Australia, and skipper Mitchell Marsh is all set to return for them in the second match.
Marsh featured in the recent BBL final and hence was absent from the first match of the series. He has this subtle ability to dominate the innings within the first 6 overs, and he loves batting in Asia.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Short/Mitchell Owen
Cameron Green has been found in a new slot in the Australia T20I team and is likely to bat at number three to anchor the innings for Australia, while also scoring runs at a quick rate after settling into the innings.
While Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly will be crucial to bat against spinners during the middle-overs, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will be the most heavyweight player for them in the death overs. Mitchell Owen / Matt Short are both making it out in the XI only until Tim David makes a comeback.
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Jack Edwards, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Xavier Bartlett will be leading the Australian pace attack alongside the youngster Mahli Beardman, who made his debut in the previous game. While Jack Edwards, the Sydney Sixers’ bowling all-rounder, is also likely to book a slot in the XI.
Adam Zampa remains Australia’s most experienced bowler and the only frontline spinner in the side. He already showed how effective he can be in the subcontinent with 4 wickets in the first game 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 Mahli Beardman.
ALSO READ: PAK vs AUS Match Prediction: Who Will Win 2nd T20I? Australia tour of Pakistan 2026
