LAHORE: Pakistan will look to secure the three match ODI series when they face Australia in the second match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday.
The hosts lead the series 1-0 after a convincing win in the opening game in Rawalpindi. Pakistan's victory was built on an outstanding performance from debutant all rounder Arafat Minhas.
The 21 year old spinner took five wickets and played a key role in dismantling Australia's batting line up. Pakistan's spinners claimed eight wickets in total and exposed Australia's struggles against spin bowling.
The teams now move to Lahore, where batting conditions are usually better. The venue has produced several high scoring matches in recent years. This has raised questions about the type of pitch Pakistan may choose for the second ODI.
Some cricket observers believe Pakistan should prepare for conditions expected at the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. However, white ball head coach Mike Hesson disagreed with that view.
He said conditions in the three countries would vary and that spin friendly pitches would also be important. Hesson added that Pakistan had already started planning for different conditions ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan also received another strong performance from wicket keeper batter Ghazi Ghouri in the first ODI. , Ghazi praised former captain Babar Azam for guiding him during the run chase. He said batting alongside an experienced player like Babar gave him confidence and helped him stay calm under pressure.
Ghazi also said he was ready to bat in any position if it helped the team. He added that he would play wherever the captain and coaching staff believed he could contribute most.
Pakistan are expected to keep the same playing XI that won the opening match. However, fast bowler Naseem Shah could return if conditions favour pace bowling.
Australia, meanwhile, are under pressure to bounce back and keep the series alive. Left arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann admitted Pakistan outplayed his team in the first ODI. He praised Pakistan's bowlers and said Australia needed to improve with both bat and ball.
Kuhnemann said Australia expected another spin friendly surface in Lahore. He added that the team was focused on winning the series rather than thinking about the next World Cup.
Australia could be strengthened by the return of leg spinner Adam Zampa, who missed the first match because of a neck injury. Kuhnemann described Zampa as a world-class player whose experience would help the team.
With hot weather expected and a batting friendly pitch likely on offer, fans can look forward to an exciting contest. Pakistan need one more win to seal the series, while Australia must improve quickly to stay in the competition.
