Australia make changes for must-win T20

The first game was dominated by Pakistan's outstanding bowlers, especially the spin of Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and the debutant Raza Hasan, although the fast men Sohail Tanvir and Umar Gul were also very effective. They bowled Australia out for 89, their second lowest T20 total of all time, and the chase was a doddle. Again, Pakistan's bowlers will be a handful for Australia's long batting line-up. The big boundaries at Dubai won't help, and Australia will need far more than the three fours they struck in the first game if they are to avoid losing the series in this match. More than anything they need runs from the top order but worryingly David Warner is struggling for form, having scored at less than a run a ball in all three ODIs against Pakistan and the first T20, with a top score of 24.

As much as this match is about a series being up for grabs, it's another chance for both sides to prepare for the ICC World Twenty20, to be held in Sri Lanka later this month. Pakistan can be pleased with where they are placed, although it wouldn't be a bad thing if their batsmen were either set a heftier chase or given a chance to bat first, to give them a more intense time in the middle.

Australia must put their thrashing in the first game behind them and realise that in the shortest format, one piece of individual brilliance can be enough to turn a team's form around. They have made three changes to the bowling group but it is in the batting order that they need a lift. If they don't, they risk entering the World T20 ranked tenth in the world - behind Ireland. And what's below a minnow in the food chain? Krill? Algae?

Form guide (Complete matches, most recent first)

Pakistan WWLLL
Australia LLWLL