![Shaheen and Fakhar aren't playing PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769856073351_shaheenfakharoutofpakxivsaus.jpg?type=hq)
Shaheen and Fakhar aren't playing PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I [Source: X]
In a significant development, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series against Australia on home soil. At toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revealed that the hosts would bat first in order to make the most of the playing conditions in Lahore.
He also confirmed three big changes in Pakistan's playing XI, with Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza making room for Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah and Usman Tariq, respectively.
Why are Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman not playing today?
At toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revealed that the hosts have brought in Faheem, Naseem and Usman in place of Fakhar, Shaheen and Salman Mirza for the second T20I against Australia. However, these changes are not linked to the players' form, as Salman confirmed that they have been rested for this encounter.
It's worth noting that Pakistan usually pick their players on a rotational basis to ensure proper rest and game time for all. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the Men in Green aim to utilise their prime assets judiciously during the Australia series. This is the reason why Fakhar, Shaheen and Salman Mirza have been excluded, with Faheem, Naseem and Tariq getting a place in the side.
Additionally, Usman Tariq's inclusion boosts Pakistan's spin department, as they plan to capitalise on a dry surface in Lahore. Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub were handy with the ball in the series opener and Tariq could further enhance the quality of Pakistan's spin bowling unit, strengthening the chances of a historic series victory on home soil.
How did Shaheen and Fakhar perform in PAK vs AUS 1st T20I?
Both Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman had forgettable outings in the first T20I between Pakistan and Australia. Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Fakhar was dismissed for ten runs, while Shaheen went wicketless, conceding 29 runs in his three-over spell. Salman Mirza also failed to bag a wicket, going for 27 runs in three overs with his left-arm fast bowling.
Thus, Naseem Shah, who has blown hot and cold in T20Is of late, gets a golden opportunity to showcase his mettle ahead of the T20 World Cup. Faheem would be keen to present a strong case for his inclusion in Pakistan's first-choice World Cup XI, while Usman could be really handy on Lahore's spin-friendly deck.
Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub will open the batting for Pakistan, with captain Salman Ali Agha set to play at number three. In Fakhar Zaman's absence, Babar Azam will spearhead the middle order, which also comprises Usman Khan, Shadab Khan and the allrounders' duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf.
Pakistan's playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Australia
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
