Pakistan and Australia will meet again in Lahore on Friday as the second T20 International of the three match series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium. The match will start at 4:00 p.m local time. Pakistan lead the series 1-0 after winning first match of the series.
Pakistan Take 1–0 Lead After Strong Opening Win
Saim Ayub scored highest run and also took two wickets, he played an important role for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed and other bowlers also supported well. Australia failed to achieve the required run rate although they should great effort to build partnerships.
Pakistan had defeated Australia in the opening match by 22 runs, and the match took place at the same venue, Pakistan scored 168 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. Australia could only reach to 146 for eight due to the pressure by Pakistani bowlers till the end of the game
The first win was really important for Pakistan as it ended the long wait of Pakistani fans and the team for a T20 victory, by defeating Australia. The result gave confidence to the home side going into the second match.
Australia Look to Bounce Back in Second T20I
Meanwhile Australia is looking to bounce back after they failed in the opener match. Team management is expected to make changes in the playing XI. Some resistance was seen during the chase but it was not enough
The Conditions in Lahore in the late afternoon and evening are expected to suit batting and as fans are hoping for another close contest, large crowd is expected to show up at the stadium.
The bowlers will play a key role especially in the last overs, and both teams are likely to depend on their top order batsman.
With Pakistan chasing a series-clinching win and Australia fighting to stay alive, Friday’s match could decide the direction of the series. Cricket followers will be watching closely as both sides return to the same ground.
This match is among the most important games of the short series.
Source: Radio Pakistan