Pakistan eye changes for second ODI against Australia
Pakistan pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf practise at Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of first ODI. Photo: PCB
After a narrow defeat in the first ODI, Pakistan are expected to make changes to their lineup ahead of the second match against Australia in Adelaide on November 8.
The team arrived in Adelaide from Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon following a long flight and has since been resting before their crucial second encounter in the three-match series.
Pakistan’s squad is set to hold a practice session tomorrow, with speculation growing over potential lineup changes. According to sources close to the team, Pakistan is considering adding a regular spinner to their playing XI for the second ODI.
Spinners Faisal Akram and Arafat Minhas are available for selection, and one of them could be included in the team, potentially at the expense of either fast bowlers Naseem Shah or Mohammad Hasnain. Naseem Shah, who suffered from cramps during the first ODI, is reported to be feeling better but could be given a rest to accommodate a spin option in the attack.
The first ODI, played in Melbourne, saw Australia secure a hard-fought two-wicket victory. Pakistan struggled to post a competitive total, finishing with 203 runs in 46.4 overs. Mohammad Rizwan was the top scorer with a gritty 44 runs off 71 balls, while fast bowler Naseem Shah contributed a vital 40 runs off 39 balls to help Pakistan reach a modest target.
Australia’s response was led by Pat Cummins, whose steady innings anchored the chase. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia reached the target of 204/8 in just 33.3 overs. Pakistan’s bowling, led by Haris Rauf (3 wickets) and Shaheen Afridi (2 wickets), showed promise, but costly extras—21 runs in total, including 17 wides and 4 leg byes—played a crucial role in the defeat.
Rizwan’s decision to field an all-pace attack in the first match did not pay off as hoped, as the bowlers were unable to control the extras in a low-scoring game.
Australia now leads the series 1-0, and Pakistan will look to level things up in the second ODI. The team will aim to improve on both their batting and bowling, with the hope that changes to the lineup will provide the edge they need to bounce back.