Just a mere five days ago, Pakistan emerged as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament, igniting their campaign with a strong performance against the Netherlands and subsequently setting a record with the highest run-chase ever in a World Cup match against Sri Lanka.
On the flip side, Australia seemed to be in disarray, suffering a convincing defeat to India and enduring their most substantial loss in a World Cup game against South Africa. This led them to an unexpected place at the bottom of the table for a brief period.
As both teams gear up to face each other at Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, October 20, the tides have perceptibly shifted, if not technically. After three matches, Pakistan boasts two wins and one loss, while Australia has two losses and a solitary win. It’s undeniable that Pat Cummins & Co. now appear to have the upper hand just before this pivotal showdown.
This shift in narrative is the profound impact a loss to India can have on Pakistan in a World Cup. Conversely, any victory for Australia significantly alters perceptions of the five-time world champions in the World Cup.
While Australia found their stride against Sri Lanka, addressing some crucial concerns and securing their first win in the World Cup, Pakistan’s earlier momentum seemed to evaporate, leaving them rattled. Pat Cummins is not buying into the idea that Australia is gearing up to “peak” at the right time, recognizing the importance of achieving the perfect game.
This is not to suggest that Pakistan has descended into turmoil due to a single defeat. However, the nature of their collapse and their bowlers’ inability to exert pressure on the Indian team are concerning. This match could be pivotal in determining the direction of both teams’ journeys in this World Cup. Pakistan remains hopeful that these narratives are just narratives, and they haven’t lost their way after the promising start.
Match Details:
- Match: Australia vs. Pakistan
- Date: October 20
- Time: 14:00 hrs Local time, 19:30 hrs AEST
- Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Weather Expectation: Bangalore is renowned for its pleasant weather, particularly at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where batting conditions often favor runs and sixes. Recent IPL matches saw high-scoring centuries by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Both teams have had mixed records in Bangalore, with Australia at 4-5 and Pakistan at 1-1 in ODIs. The toss may play a significant role in determining the outcome of the first World Cup match in Bangalore.
Team Updates: Australia: Former captain Aaron Finch and current captain Pat Cummins have been seen in discussions with teammates and selectors. Travis Head is set to join the team soon, possibly bringing changes. Everyone has had practice, with the exception of Adam Zampa, who is expected to play unless he experiences stiffness on the morning of the match, in which case Sean Abbott may come into contention.
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman remains unavailable for another week, and Agha Salman is recovering from illness. The only expected change could be the inclusion of leg-spinner Usama Mir for Mohammad Nawaz, based on Mir’s impressive performance in the warm-up game against Australia.
Tactics & Strategy: Australia: Their middle-order found runs from Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell, and Cummins and Zampa were effective in taking key wickets. Australia may adopt an aggressive approach against the Pakistani fast bowlers. The seamers are expected to use cross-seam deliveries and cutters, which could pose a challenge to Pakistan’s inconsistent middle-order.
Pakistan: Success for Pakistan hinges on their top order delivering big runs and carrying the innings. They’ll also need their spinners to complement the fast bowlers, who’ve been inconsistent despite high expectations.
Notable Stat:
- Australia has lost five of their last six ODIs while chasing, all by a margin of 99+ runs.
