The highly anticipated second T20I of the three-match series between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled for Saturday at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). After their commanding performance in the rain-shortened opener, Australia, led by skipper Josh Inglis, will look to seal the series with another victory.
In the first T20I at Brisbane’s Gabba, Australia defeated Pakistan by 29 runs in a match reduced to seven overs per side due to rain. Batting first, Australia posted a challenging total of 93 runs, thanks to a blistering knock by Glenn Maxwell, who dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack. Pakistan, despite boasting a strong batting lineup, struggled to keep up with the required run rate, finishing at 64/9 in their allotted overs.
Key Players to Watch
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is undoubtedly the player to watch after his explosive performance in the first game. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, will need to be at their best to contain him. Nathan Ellis, who claimed crucial wickets in the first match, remains a key weapon in Australia’s arsenal.
For Pakistan, captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam must lead from the front. Both players will need to anchor the innings and counter Australia’s potent bowling attack. A strong performance from the top order could give Pakistan the edge they need to stay in the series.
Squads
Australia: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (c), Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Josh Philippe.
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Haseebullah Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Arafat Minhas, Omair Yousuf, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Match Details
• Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
• Time: 1:00 PM PST
• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
How to Watch
• Live Broadcast: Available on the Star Sports Network.
• Live Streaming: Available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.
Australia’s dominance in the opening match and home advantage make them the favorites, but Pakistan has the depth and resilience to stage a comeback. Fans can anticipate an intense contest as the series heats up in Sydney.
