The caravan moves to Sydney today for the second T20 of the three-match series between Pakistan and Australia. The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host this crucial encounter, starting at 1 PM, as Pakistan aims to level the series after a tough loss in the first game.
Australia Leads 1-0 After Brisbane Thriller
In the opening match, played in Brisbane, rain and thunderstorms dominated much of the evening, and a shortened 7-over game was played. Australia batted first and put up a competitive 93 runs, thanks to Glenn Maxwell’s explosive performance. Pakistan struggled in the chase, falling short of the target.
This loss continued Pakistan’s winless streak against Australia in T20s on Australian soil. The team now faces a do-or-die situation in Sydney.
Pakistan’s Key Challenges
With an inexperienced batting lineup, Pakistan will rely heavily on their two stalwarts: skipper Mohammad Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam. The pace bowlers, who couldn’t handle the pressure in Brisbane, will need to step up their game.
Given Sydney’s spin-friendly conditions, Pakistan may consider including a specialist spinner, potentially reshuffling their pace-dominated attack. This could be a game-changing move as they look to bounce back in the series.
Australia Aiming to Seal the Series
Australia, on the other hand, comes into the match with confidence after their commanding performance in Brisbane. Glenn Maxwell’s return to form was a significant boost, but the opening duo of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk will be under scrutiny after another quiet outing.
The bowling attack, led by Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett, looked sharp in the first match and will aim to deliver another strong performance. With better weather expected in Sydney, Australia is likely to revert to their regular batting order, with Josh Inglis moving back to a higher position.
What to Expect from the 2nd T20 Pak vs Aus
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
- Time: 1 PM (local time)
- Weather: Clear skies and no rain interruptions are expected.
For Pakistan, this is a must-win game to keep the series alive. A loss here would hand Australia the series victory. On the other hand, Australia will aim to continue their momentum and seal the series at home.
Will Pakistan Force a Decider?
The stage is set for a thrilling contest at the SCG. With experienced players like Babar Azam and Glenn Maxwell in the spotlight, fans can expect an exciting match. Can Pakistan break their losing streak against Australia on Australian soil, or will the hosts emerge victorious once again?
Stay tuned for live updates and highlights as the action unfolds in Sydney!
