Australia vs Pakistan Prediction: Who Will Win AUS vs PAK 2nd T20 Match on 31st January 2026?
The Australia vs Pakistan prediction for the 2nd T20I of the 2026 series brings fans another fascinating battle between bat and ball at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday, 31 January 2026. After Pakistan took a 1–0 lead with a convincing win in the opening encounter, the pressure is firmly on Australia to bounce back and keep the series alive. Cricketwebs provide 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and this clash is expected to be a tactical contest shaped heavily by pitch conditions.
The first T20 highlighted how decisive Lahore’s slow, spin-friendly surface can be. Pakistan managed a modest 168/8 despite a solid start, but their spinners made the difference, choking Australia’s chase and bowling them out for 146. Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan used variations cleverly, exposing Australia’s relative inexperience against quality spin in subcontinental conditions. That trend is likely to continue in this game as well.
Australia, however, are not a side to be written off easily. Players like Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Josh Philippe showed intent in the first match, while Xavier Bartlett impressed with the ball. The inclusion of more experienced all-rounders such as Mitchell Marsh or Marcus Stoinis could add muscle to their batting and balance to the XI. Australia’s challenge will be adapting their natural attacking style to a surface that demands patience and strike rotation.
Pakistan will take confidence from their home advantage and bowling depth. If their top order can push the total closer to 175, they will be well placed to seal the series. Overall, this Australia vs Pakistan prediction points to another closely fought game, where handling spin and middle-over control will decide the outcome.
- Pakistan lead the series 1–0 after winning the first T20I
- Gaddafi Stadium pitch favours spin and disciplined bowling
- Australia need better batting application on slow surfaces
- Pakistan hold a slight edge due to home conditions
Match Details
| Match | AUS vs PAK, 2nd T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 4:30 PM |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Series | Australia Tour of Pakistan 2026 |
Team Preview
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan produced a complete bowling performance in the opening T20I to take the lead in the series. Although their batting was inconsistent, the bowlers ensured the total was enough. Saim Ayub stood out at the top with a fluent 40 off 22 balls, showing the intent Pakistan need during the powerplay. Sahibzada Farhan also has the ability to score quickly, while Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman provide stability through the middle overs.
The finishing responsibility lies with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, both of whom are capable of clearing the ropes and rotating strike on slow surfaces. Their contributions with the bat become even more valuable given Pakistan’s tendency to slow down after the powerplay.
Bowling remains Pakistan’s biggest strength. Shaheen Afridi brings pace and swing with the new ball, while Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin was the standout factor in the first match. Supported by Shadab and Nawaz, Pakistan’s spin trio can dominate the middle overs again. At home, with conditions in their favour, Pakistan will look to replicate their disciplined approach and seal the series in this Australia vs Pakistan prediction.
Australia Preview
Australia’s performance in the first T20I showed promise but lacked adaptability. Their bowlers did well to restrict Pakistan after a strong start, with Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa standing out. However, the batting unit struggled to build partnerships against spin, which ultimately cost them the game.
Travis Head provided a brisk start, and Cameron Green played a fighting knock, but Australia need more collective contributions. The possible inclusion of Mitchell Marsh or Marcus Stoinis could add power and experience to the middle order. Josh Philippe remains a key player who can change the game quickly if he settles at the crease.
Australia’s bowling attack looks balanced, with Zampa as the main spin option and Bartlett providing control with pace. Mahli Beardman and Cooper Connolly add variety, but the bowlers will need more runs to defend on this surface. If Australia can bat smarter and adapt to the slower pitch, they have the tools to level the series.
Team Squads
Pakistan Squad:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Australia Squad:
Travis Head, Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Australia: Travis Head (C), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (WK), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Australia vs Pakistan Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Travis Head, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub |
| All-rounders | Cameron Green, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz |
| Bowlers | Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Adam Zampa |
| Wicketkeeper | Josh Philippe |
| Flex Pick | Marcus Stoinis |
This fantasy XI balances in-form Pakistani spinners with Australia’s key batters. Travis Head is selected for his aggressive starts, while Babar Azam remains a reliable run-scorer. Saim Ayub’s form makes him a valuable pick. Cameron Green and Shadab Khan offer dual points with bat and ball, while Mohammad Nawaz adds spin value on this surface. Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi are must-picks given the conditions, with Zampa Australia’s best spin option. Josh Philippe is included for wicketkeeping points and explosive batting potential.
Captain Options: Shadab Khan, Cameron Green
Vice-Captain Options: Travis Head, Babar Azam
Players to Avoid: Salman Mirza, Jack Edwards
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Pakistan
Pakistan are favourites due to their strong spin attack and familiarity with Lahore conditions. Their bowlers, particularly Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, exploited the slow surface perfectly in the first T20I. Australia’s batting struggles against quality spin give Pakistan a clear advantage. With home support and confidence from the series lead, Pakistan are better placed to control the tempo of the game. In this Australia vs Pakistan prediction, Pakistan’s bowling depth and tactical discipline make them the team to beat.
Australia T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 123 | 90 | 7 |
Australia have a strong overall T20 record built on aggressive batting and varied bowling attacks.
Pakistan T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 290 | 168 | 115 | 7 |
Pakistan are traditionally strong in T20Is, especially on spin-friendly home surfaces.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | AUS Won | PAK Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 14 | 14 | 1 |
At Gaddafi Stadium: 1 win each
The rivalry is evenly matched overall, but home conditions slightly favour Pakistan.
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is slow and offers significant assistance to spinners. Batting becomes difficult as the ball grips and holds up, making timing a challenge. Pacers who use cutters can be effective early, but spin dominates the middle overs. A first-innings score of around 165–170 is competitive here. Teams that rotate strike well and avoid reckless shots against spin usually succeed at this venue.
Weather Report
Evening weather in Lahore will be mostly cloudy with temperatures around 20 °C, cool conditions and low rain risk throughout the match. The air quality may be poor, and dew later could assist the chasing team.
Broadcast Details
The Australia vs Pakistan 2nd T20I will be broadcast live on Youtube across India and other regions, offering full live coverage of the match.
Toss Prediction
Winning the toss at Lahore, conditions suggest batting first might be beneficial on this slow, tacky surface to post a competitive total, especially before dew sets in late. The predicted toss winner is Australia.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For this Australia vs Pakistan prediction, Saim Ayub stands out as a probable top batsman. His aggressive powerplay approach and recent form make him a key run-scorer for Pakistan. Babar Azam is another likely top contributor through the middle overs, known for anchoring innings and accelerating when needed. On the Australian side, Travis Head is dangerous early and capable of quick boundaries, while Cameron Green’s all-around game adds batting depth and finishing firepower.
Bowling duties will again revolve around spin. Abrar Ahmed is expected to be a strike bowler in the middle overs; his variations trouble batters on slow subcontinental tracks. For Australia, Adam Zampa remains the most likely wicket-taker, capable of containing runs and breaking partnerships. Shaheen Afridi’s pace and bounce with the new ball also make him a probable leading bowler for Pakistan.
Match Prediction
In this Australia vs Pakistan prediction, Pakistan hold the advantage after their strong performance in the series opener and the spin-friendly conditions of Gaddafi Stadium. If Pakistan repeat their bowling discipline and put up a competitive total, they are well placed to seal the series. Australia must handle spin better and build partnerships to stay in the game. Winner Prediction: Pakistan to win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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