Australia’s David Warner throughout a apply session forward of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match in opposition to Pakistan, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on October 19, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Okay. Murali Kumar
Every week is a very long time in politics — former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson is meant to have stated, referring to the fast-changing tempo of the political panorama. The Pakistan cricket group will hope that the adage comes true in sport when it takes on Australia in an important World Cup encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.
Though Babar Azam & Co. has gained two of its three matches, it’s coming off a demoralising seven-wicket defeat to India. A bout of viral fever amongst its members and a knee damage to opener Fakhar Zaman have additionally hampered preparations.
Bowling headache
Of specific concern is the type of left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi. The 23-year-old usually units the tone for Pakistan, however has blown sizzling and chilly. The lack of wickets from leggie and vice-captain Shadab Khan can be a fear.
But in Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan has confirmed match-winners. Along with Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel, they need to revel in the historically batting-friendly situations.
Back in the hunt
For Australia, the big-ticket contest maybe comes at the proper time. After shedding its opening two fixtures, Pat Cummins’ outfit seemed drained and jaded. But the convincing five-wicket win over Sri Lanka has seemingly re-energised the facet. The spirit was finest exemplified by Adam Zampa, who scalped 4 wickets regardless of a bruised physique.
Australia is, nonetheless, wanting runs from the middle-order. The trio of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell hasn’t reached its standard exalted heights. For Maxwell although, the Royal Challengers Bangalore house turf is a well-known looking floor, and if he can discover his mojo, the followers are in for a deal with.
Home away from house
Curiously, Australia has featured in the entire final 5 ODIs held in Bengaluru, courting again to the 2011 World Cup. David Warner, Smith, Cummins and Zampa have in truth performed in the 2 most-recent ties (2020 and 2017). Pakistan was right here for an ODI final in 1999 — which it gained — and earlier than that for the charged 1996 World Cup quarterfinal in opposition to India.
Form and familiarity level to Australia. Or will every week show a very long time in sport?
