Published: Mar 25, 2016, 12:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 25, 2016, 03:42 PM (IST)
Pakistan will take on Australia in Match 26 of ICC T20 World Cup 2016 at PCA stadium, Mohali. The fixture holds a significant edge for both the sides, considering a defeat for Pakistan will end hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals, whereas a defeat for Australia would mean a sure needed victory over India, and that too by a huge margin. Pakistan got their tournament off to a flier, beating Bangladesh by 55 runs in their first match. Since then, they have lost to both India and New Zealand, which has all but confirmed their exit from the tournament. Australia on the other hand have not induced much confidence, losing to New Zealand in the first game, which was followed by a close win against Bangladesh. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs Australia, Match 26, Super 10 stage, ICC World T20 2016 at Mohali
While Australia can afford a defeat and yet have a chance to qualify for semi-finals, Pakistan cannot afford such a luxury. The biggest worry for Pakistan will be the condition of Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz. Both the players missed the last game against New Zealand due to injury, and it will be very interesting to see if they are available for the Australia clash. Going into a game which may affect team’s future very drastically, we take a look at the starting XI Pakistan may field against Australia.
Top Order: There is a surety of no change at the top order, with both Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad in good form. While Shehzad showed his class with a well made 52 against Bangladesh, Sharjeel was at his destructive best against New Zealand, scoring a 25 ball 47. Considering the weak link in Australia is it’s bowling unit, both the players will hope to get their side off to a flier in this must-win game. At No.3, Pakistan will be sweating on the fitness of the ‘Professor’ Mohammad Hafeez. If Hafeez is deemed unfit, Khalid Latif will get another opportunity to prove himself. Latif threw away his chance against New Zealand, playing an unnecessary shot and getting out for 3. But considering the injury to Hafeez, another chance beckons for Latif, and Pakistan will hope he shows more maturity this time around.
Middle-Order: Coming into the T20 World Cup 2016, Pakistan’s middle-order was expected to be the key, considering their decent form in the Asia Cup 2016. There has been no change in the middle-order, except for the promotion of Shahid Afridi in the batting order. While the change reaped benefits against Bangladesh, as Afridi scored a 19-ball 49, he has struggled for runs since then. After him, both Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik have shown good form in flashes; they are yet to play a match-winning knock. But the biggest worry for Pakistan is the lack of batting time for Sarfaraz Ahmed, with him just facing 14 balls in the three matches. Considering the nature of the game, the middle-order will have to show more fight if they are to score runs.
Lower-Order: Pakistan’s bowling attack has been a one-man attack since the return of Mohammad Aamer from his international ban. In the last fixture against New Zealand, Aamer struggled to get going and Pakistan needed the experience of Mohammad Sami to restrict the Kiwis for 180. With 2 for 23 all but certain to give Sami another game, the biggest decision to make for Pakistani management will be to choose two of three from Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Imad Wasim. Considering the nature of the pitches and the struggles for Australia against spin, Wasim will most certainly be expected to get the nod as the spinner. That leaves the final slot in the side between Irfan and Wahab. Both the bowlers can’t stake a claim to start, considering their poor showing till now in the tournament. But expect the experienced Wahab to get the nod.
Pakistan starting XI: Sharjeel Khan, Ahmed Shehzad, Khalid Latif, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi(c), Sarfaraz Ahmed(wk),Imad Wasim,Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Aamer
(R Narayan is a reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed Cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)
