Pakistan aims to secure series win in second T20I against Australia

Pakistan will aim to clinch the three-match T20I series when they face Australia in the second T20I at Lahore on Saturday, carrying confidence from a spin-dominated 22-run victory in the opener on Thursday.

The first T20I saw all-rounder Saim Ayub play a decisive role with both bat and ball. Ayub top-scored with a rapid 22-ball 40, while Salman Agha struck four sixes and a four in his 27-ball 39 to lift Pakistan to 168-8. Although the hosts managed only 31 runs in the final five overs, their spinners ensured the total was more than enough, taking six wickets as Australia were restricted to 146-8.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha was satisfied with the overall performance despite a late slowdown with the bat.

“It was a great game. We started well with the bat but couldn't finish the way we wanted. It became challenging after the first ten overs as the ball stopped coming onto the bat, but I think we were outstanding with the ball,” he said.

Agha also confirmed his batting position going forward: “Yes, I'll be batting at number three. We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the powerplay. That's why I moved up, and that is where I'll stay.”

Australia, led by stand-in captain Travis Head in the absence of Mitchell Marsh, will look to respond strongly after struggling against spin in the chase. Reflecting on the defeat, Head said: “It was disappointing, but that's how batting goes sometimes.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the series and the World Cup build-up, he said: “We'll have to wait and see how it plays out. We have two more opportunities before we head to Sri Lanka, and we want to continue playing as well as we can. Even though the result didn't go our way today, there are things we did well and areas we can improve.”

Regular skipper Mitchell Marsh is expected to return for the second T20I after sitting out the opening match, having joined the squad late following the completion of his Big Bash League commitments in Australia.

With similar conditions expected at Lahore, spin is again likely to play a major role. Pakistan will back their in-form spin unit to deliver once more, while Australia will be keen to adapt quickly and keep the series alive as both teams continue preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Squads

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, Travis Head and Xavier Bartlett