Pakistan finally ended a long wait as they beat Australia in a T20I after seven years, registering a 22-run victory in the opening match of the three-match series at Lahore. The win gave Pakistan a 1–0 lead and a big confidence boost ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub was the standout performer in the 1st T20I. He smashed 40 off 22 balls and also picked up 2/29, playing a key role in the win. Adam Zampa was Australia’s best bowler with 4/24, while Mahli Beardman and Xavier Bartlett chipped in with two wickets each.
Australia struggled with the bat on a slow Lahore surface, but the visitors are expected to bring back key players for the second game. Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis are likely to return, which could completely change the balance of the contest.
The 2nd T20I will once again be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday afternoon.
PAK vs AUS Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Pakistan vs Australia T20I Series 2026 |
| Match | Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd T20I |
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 04:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Match Preview
Pakistan
Pakistan’s top order has shown intent, but the middle order remains a concern. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are still searching for form, and their inability to accelerate hurt Pakistan in the first game.
However, Pakistan’s spin bowling attack remains their biggest strength. Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz can be very effective again on this surface.
Key Players:
Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi
Australia
Australia looked underpowered in the first match due to resting several first-choice players. That is expected to change in the second T20I.
With Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis likely to return, Australia’s batting depth and finishing ability will improve significantly. Adam Zampa continues to be their biggest weapon in the middle overs.
Key Players:
Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 14 |
| Australia | 14 |
| No Result | 1 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | W, W, NR, L, W |
| Australia | W, L, L, NR, L |
Weather & Pitch Report – Lahore
Weather Update
- Temperature: 15–17°C
- Humidity: 60–65%
- Rain: 10% chance
Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly on paper
- Slower surface as match progresses
- Spinners get good grip
- Chasing not very easy
- Par score: 160–170
Gaddafi Stadium T20I Stats
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 35 |
| Bat First Wins | 21 |
| Bat Second Wins | 14 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 164 |
| Highest Score | 209/3 |
| Lowest Score | 94 |
Predicted Playing XI
Pakistan
- Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Salman Mirza (c)
- Usman Khan (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Abrar Ahmed
- Salman Mirza
Australia
- Mitchell Marsh (c)
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Cameron Green
- Marcus Stoinis
- Mitchell Owen
- Cooper Connolly
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Xavier Bartlett
- Mahli Beardman
- Adam Zampa
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Small League (Safe Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Travis Head
- Shadab Khan
- Cameron Green
- Abrar Ahmed
Grand League (Risk Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Mitchell Marsh
- Saim Ayub
- Marcus Stoinis
- Mohammad Nawaz
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Pakistan’s spin attack gives them a strong chance, especially if the pitch remains slow. However, their middle-order batting is fragile, and early wickets could put them under pressure.
Australia are expected to return with a much stronger XI, and that could make a big difference. With more power hitters and better finishing options, the visitors look better placed overall.
Predicted Winner: Australia
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| Australia | No injury updates |
| Pakistan | No injury updates |
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