Pakistan will look to put their close loss in the first ODI behind them as they prepare to take on Australia in the second game of the three-match series in Adelaide. With the series on the line, this is a must-win match for the visitors, who are expected to stick with a largely unchanged lineup, with only one potential adjustment.
Possible Changes for the 2nd ODI
The Adelaide wicket, known to favor spin as it wears down later in the game, may prompt Pakistan to field a specialist spinner in the second ODI. In the first game, Australia used their spinner, Adam Zampa, effectively, particularly when he dismissed Babar Azam, who seemed comfortable against the pace attack. Pakistan, which went with an all-pace attack in the first game, nearly clinched the match on a fast surface but lacked the variation needed to challenge the Australian batsmen in the middle overs.
Pakistan’s Likely XI for the 2nd ODI
Here’s a look at the probable lineup Pakistan may field in the second ODI:
Opening Pair: Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub
Both openers struggled in the first ODI, failing to produce significant innings. However, Pakistan is expected to give them another chance. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to shift to the opening slots, leaving Abdullah and Saim as the specialized choices at the top.
Middle Order: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam
Babar Azam showed glimpses of his prime form in the opening match, while Rizwan provided stability with his reliable batting. Both are essential to Pakistan’s batting lineup. Kamran Ghulam, though challenged by the bouncier Australian pitches, will likely retain his spot in the middle order, where his potential could still make a difference.
Lower Middle Order and All-Rounders: Salman Ali Agha and Arafat Minhas
If Pakistan opts for a spin option, Arafat Minhas is expected to make his ODI debut. The 19-year-old all-rounder is proficient with the bat, adding depth to the lineup. As vice-captain, Salman Ali Agha is another crucial element in the team, providing leadership alongside Babar and versatility with both bat and ball. This change would likely see Irfan Khan Niazi miss out on a spot.
Pace Attack: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf
Despite a minor fitness concern, Naseem Shah is set to play, rounding out Pakistan’s powerful pace attack. Together with Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf, the pacers will look to build on their strong performance in the first match. With a bit more support from the batting unit, this pace quartet is poised to trouble the Australian lineup again.
Pakistan’s Probable XI for the 2nd ODI
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Kamran Ghulam
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha (vc)
- Arafat Minhas
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Haris Rauf
Key Focus Areas
For Pakistan, the game plan will revolve around improving their batting performance and utilizing the added spin option to provide variety. By anchoring the innings through Babar and Rizwan and delivering quick breakthroughs with their pace attack, Pakistan aims to keep Australia under pressure. This balanced lineup gives Pakistan the tools they need to level the series and set the stage for an exciting final game.
