After a narrow defeat in the first ODI, Pakistan is expected to make adjustments to their lineup for the second match against Australia in Adelaide on November 8. The team arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday afternoon following a long flight from Melbourne and has since been resting ahead of the crucial second encounter in the three-match series.
Pakistan’s squad will hold a practice session tomorrow, with speculation mounting about potential changes to the team. Sources close to the team suggest that 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 replacing one of the fast bowlers, Naseem Shah or Mohammad Hasnain. Naseem Shah, who struggled with cramps during the first ODI, is reportedly feeling better but may be rested to make way for a spin option in the attack.
Also Read: Pakistan vs Australia 1st ODI: Pakistan’s Confirmed Playing XI
The first ODI, played in Melbourne, saw Australia secure a hard-fought two-wicket victory. Pakistan’s batting struggled to post a competitive total, finishing at 203 runs in 46.4 overs. Mohammad Rizwan was the top scorer with a determined 44 runs off 71 balls, while fast bowler Naseem Shah contributed a valuable 40 runs off 39 balls to help Pakistan reach a modest total.
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, spearheaded 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 significant role in their defeat.
Rizwan’s decision to field an all-pace attack in the first match did not pay off as hoped. The bowlers struggled to control the extras in what was a low-scoring game.
Australia now leads the series 1-0, and Pakistan will aim to level the series in the second ODI. With changes to the lineup likely, the team will look to improve both their batting and bowling, hoping the adjustments will give them the edge to bounce back.
