Pakistan vs Australia 2nd ODI Match, Dream 11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket

Ethan Arora · 02/06/2026 · 4 min read

The Battle Continues in Lahore

The anticipation is building as Pakistan prepares to host Australia for the second ODI of their high-stakes three-game series. Following a commanding victory in the series opener, the home side enters the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday at 4:00 PM PST with significant momentum. While Pakistan aims to seal an early series win, Australia finds itself under immense pressure to regroup and keep their hopes alive in this contest.

Pakistan vs Australia 2nd ODI Match, Dream 11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket: Team Analysis

Pakistan’s performance in the first ODI was nothing short of clinical. Their bowling attack, led by the sensational debutant Arafat Minhas, dismantled the Australian lineup. Minhas, who claimed a stunning five-wicket haul, proved to be the difference-maker, while the pace battery of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf maintained relentless pressure. With the bat, the composure of Babar Azam and the grit of Mohammad Ghazi Ghori ensured a successful chase, highlighting the depth and maturity of the current Pakistani squad.

Conversely, Australia’s outing was hampered by middle-order collapses. Despite promising starts from Matt Short and Matt Renshaw, the failure to build substantial partnerships left the visitors reeling at 200 all out. The Australian bowling unit showed glimpses of quality through Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, but they ultimately lacked the penetration required to defend a modest total. For the second ODI, Australia must address these structural flaws to challenge the hosts.

Key Players to Watch

Babar Azam (Pakistan): The anchor of the Pakistani batting lineup. His 69-run knock in the previous game demonstrated why he is a must-have for any fantasy team.
Arafat Minhas (Pakistan): Coming off a five-wicket haul, his current form makes him an essential pick for your Dream11 captaincy or vice-captaincy.
Matthew Short (Australia): An aggressive opening option who proved his worth with a solid 55 in the first match. He is expected to lead Australia’s charge in the powerplay.
Nathan Ellis (Australia): With two wickets in the previous match, Ellis remains the most disciplined threat in the Australian bowling attack.

Pitch Report and Conditions

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is renowned for its true bounce, which historically favors the batsmen. However, as the pitch dries out, it tends to slow down, bringing spin bowlers firmly into the equation. Given the trends from recent matches, the surface is expected to be slightly sluggish, placing a premium on technique over raw power. The captain winning the toss is highly likely to opt for bowling first to capitalize on potential dew factors and the advantage of chasing under the lights.

Strategic Insights for Fantasy Cricket

When curating your squad for this match, focus on players who have demonstrated adaptability in subcontinental conditions. Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack is likely to dominate the middle overs once again. Ensure your squad balances top-order anchors like Babar Azam with efficient wicket-takers like Abrar Ahmed and Arafat Minhas. For Australia, backing players like Josh Inglis or Cameron Green could provide high-reward opportunities if they navigate the initial spin threat successfully.

Match Prediction

Given the current trajectory of the series, Pakistan appears to be the stronger outfit. Their familiarity with the home conditions, combined with the current form of their spin department, gives them a distinct advantage. While Australia possesses the individual brilliance of players like Cameron Green and Adam Zampa, the collective cohesion shown by Pakistan in the first game suggests they are better equipped to handle the challenges of the second encounter. We expect a victory for Pakistan as they look to clinch the series on home soil.

Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan

Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Australia

Matthew Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (c) (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Kuhnemann.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on available statistics and recent form. Always stay updated with the final team announcements before finalizing your fantasy selections.

Ethan Arora

Ethan Arora is a senior editor and long-form cricket writer for ESPNcricinfo. Based in Karachi, he has covered Pakistan cricket and global tournaments for over two decades, contributing to publications such as The Cricket Monthly, Dawn, and The Guardian. His work often explores the intersection of cricket, politics, and culture in South Asia, with a particular focus on fast bowling history, Test cricket narratives, and the internal dynamics of the Pakistan dressing room. Samiuddin is also the editor of The Unquiet Ones: A History of Pakistan Cricket, widely regarded as one of the definitive books on the subject. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he is known for marrying American long-form journalism techniques with the rich oral traditions of the subcontinent. Follow him for sharp match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes features from ICC events and Pakistan Super League coverage.