Australia and Pakistan are set to battle in a vital encounter of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 will take place at the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.
Pakistan has won two matches and Australia just won one in their respective last three matches.
Australia is keeping their chances in the tournament alive with a vital victory over Sri Lanka. The victory has lifted Pat Cummins' team from the lowest position in the standings, bringing them back into the competition. With 2 points and a -0.734 net run rate, Australia is in the 8th place of the ICC World Cup 2023 point table. They still have a chance to survive if they get big wins in the next matches.
Australia faced defeats against India and South Africa before finally registering a win over Sri Lanka in this tournament. Their quest for a record sixth Cricket World Cup title hasn’t had the most promising beginning.
However, a second consecutive victory, this time against Pakistan, could potentially turn things around for them.
Australia had scored two totals below 200 before facing Sri Lanka. Even in that match, they needed only 210 to secure a win. Among their batsmen, only MarnusLabuschagne has managed to score 100 runs or more in three innings in this tournament. David Warner has an average of 21.66, and in the previous match, Steven Smith was dismissed without scoring any runs.
While there are significant concerns about Australia's batting resources, their bowling department has shown considerable strength this tournament. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa delivered a standout performance, taking four wickets and earning the Player of the Match title against Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, Pakistan had a strong start in this World Cup, securing wins against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. However, their momentum took a hit with a defeat to India. The team carries a significant weight of expectation but has shown a tendency to disappoint, especially in crucial matches against traditional rivals when the stakes are high.
Pakistan currently holds the 4th position in the points table. They have secured two wins and suffered one loss in the three matches played during the round-robin stage.
So, their match against Australia is crucial to advance in the point table. They will need to rely on their bowlers as well as top orders.
Hasan Ali has proven to be the primary wicket-taker for Pakistan in India during the ongoing tournament. Initially included as a late replacement for the injured Naseem Shah, Ali has evolved into a crucial member of the first-choice playing XI.
He has impressively taken seven wickets in three matches, showcasing a prolific performance in ODI cricket. In terms of batting, the team looks to wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to lead their ambitions once again.
Men to watch:
MarnusLabuschagne, stands as the leading run-scorer for Australia in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, amassing a total of 113 runs at an impressive strike rate of 64, his performances highlight his crucial role as a dependable batsman for the team. His ability to maintain a solid strike rate adds an extra dimension.
Adam ZampaZampa’s four-wicket against Sri Lanka helped Australia to win the game. So, hopefully, he will play a significant role one more time against Pakistan.
Mitchell Starctook five wickets in this World Cup so far with 2/43 best bowling inning. Although Mitchell Starc continues to be recognized as one of the top ODI bowlers worldwide.
Mohammad Rizwan, who is leading the charge for Pakistan, has emerged as the top run-scorer in the World Cup 2023, collecting an impressive total of 248 runs at a striking rate of 93. His innings have been characterized by a balanced blend of precision and power, evident in the 23 boundaries and three sixes he has struck.
Hasan Ali has proven to be the standout bowler for Pakistan in the tournament, taking seven wickets. His bowling performance is marked by an average of 19.71, reflecting his effectiveness in dismissing batsmen.
