ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will play Australia in the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Qaddafi Stadium today. Pakistan leads the series 1-0 and aims to win the series with another victory.
Pakistan won the first ODI in Rawalpindi by five wickets. The team now looks to continue its strong form and finish the series early.
The opening match on May 30 featured a standout performance by Arafat Minhas. The 21-year-old left-arm spinner took 5 wickets for 32 runs. He became the first Pakistani bowler to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.
Australia scored 200 runs in their innings. Matt Renshaw top-scored with 61 runs. Matthew Short added 55 runs, but the team lost momentum in the middle overs.
Pakistan chased the target with ease. Babar Azam led the innings with 69 runs. He built a 127-run partnership with wicketkeeper batter Ghazi Ghori, who scored 65. Pakistan reached the target with 45 balls remaining.
Nathan Ellis took 2 wickets for 45 runs and remained the most successful bowler for Australia.
Both teams have announced their squads for the second ODI. Pakistan will aim to maintain its winning combination, while Australia will look to level the series.
Punjab Police has tightened security for the match in Lahore. Inspector General of Police Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem said more than 8,000 police personnel will perform security duties.
Authorities have increased security on team routes, hotels, and around the stadium. They have installed CCTV cameras and deployed rooftop snipers for monitoring. Elite Force and Dolphin Squad units will also patrol surrounding areas.
Officials have urged fans to cooperate with security personnel to ensure a safe and peaceful match.
