Pakistan have rung in three major changes to their playing XI for the second T20I against Australia, making a bold selection call despite taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
As per the updated lineup, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Mirza have been left out of the Playing XI. In their place, Pakistan have brought in Usman Tariq, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah.
The changes suggest Pakistan are looking to strengthen their combination ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka, with the inclusion of Naseem Shah adding extra pace and new-ball control, while Faheem Ashraf offers an additional seam option and lower-order batting depth.
Usman Tariq is the one to watch, given his rise as one of the most dangerous mystery spinners in T20 cricket right now.
Pakistan Playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Australia
| Saim Ayub |
| Sahibzada Farhan |
| Salman Ali Agha (c) |
| Babar Azam |
| Usman Khan (wk) |
| Shadab Khan |
| Mohammad Nawaz |
| Faheem Ashraf |
| Usman Tariq |
| Abrar Ahmed |
| Naseem Shah |
With Pakistan already ahead, the revamped XI will be aiming to build on the momentum and push for a series-clinching result, while Australia will be looking to bounce back and level things up.
Australia made four changes from the 1st match, including Mitch Marsh returning as captain (replacing Travis Head in the role) and Josh Inglis as wicketkeeper, while resting Marcus Stoinis.
