Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Image credit: SocialPakistan.pk

The first T20I of the series was the stuff of nightmare for the Australians – the second in a row after the second Test. Understandably, Aaron Finch was disappointed with their dismal show in Abu Dhabi, which would not have been out of place as a new horror movie in the cinemas.

With the series now on the line, can Pakistan seal it as Australia continue to find Asia difficult?

Pakistan won the first game so convincingly, but what’s a Pakistan game without letting the opposition back in it? They started the innings in good fashion on behalf of Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez, who in his comeback T20 match, showed good intent and his amazing power and class to hit two sixes down the ground. Then, a huge collapse from 130/3 to 133/8 engulfed Pakistan, with some fireworks from Hasan Ali helping Pakistan cross the 150 mark, which proved way too much for the tourists.

Australia fought back well with the ball to pour water on the words of fire from Mickey Arthur saying he wanted 180. Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye got Australia back in the game, presenting their bounce and pace variation skills respectively. But, Aaron Finch revealed his cards early by giving himself some room inviting the in-drifter of Imad to castle his stumps, and it was all downhill from there. Can a talented Australia side on paper fight back?

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Key to a Pakistan Win

In the first T20I, Pakistan made a good start despite the important Fakhar Zaman dismissed within the powerplay. Babar Azam continued to show his worth in the T20I format, nailing his third straight half century, to put Pakistan in a position of strength.

However, Pakistan’s middle order has to change their attitudes, after putting together a performance that would have had Mickey Arthur with his head in his hands. With Shoaib Malik back, he and the likes of Sarfraz Ahmed and Asif Ali have what it takes to both set up the innings as well as launch at the end. Can Pakistan put together a complete batting display?

Also, with Pakistan will again be looking to prove that bowling is their main weapon. Can the men in green build up dot ball and wickets pressure against a nervous batting line up? Cristiano Ronaldo Imad Wasim will be key at the top in bamboozling batsmen with his bananas, with strong support from the likes of Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi. One bowler who will be keen to improve is Shadab Khan, who has to focus on each and every delivery he bowls and avoid varying them too much which resulted in short balls Nathan Coulter-Nile smacked with ease.

Key to an Australia Win

A powerplay lasts six overs, and Australia lost six wickets before it was complete in the first T20I. Australia were fit and firing with the ball in the death overs, but the batting was rightly labelled as “embarrassing” by skipper Aaron Finch.

One embarrassment was Aaron Finch exposing his stumps to a bowler firing the ball into them. The Australian skipper has to play like a number one T20 batsman, and showcase the form he wowed us all with in Zimbabwe earlier this year. With Australia’s side comprising players that are the envy of many T20 franchises around the globe, they will need to be embarrassed into action to keep the series alive.

Also, despite the heavy defeat, there were encouraging signs with the ball. Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye combined for 6/45 in eight, completely halting Pakistan’s progress. Can the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa help produce a cohesive bowling performance against a side that will be buoyed by the return of Shoaib Malik?

Possible XIs

Dream11

• I just love Shoaib Malik. He will be my captain, given how reliable he is. Also, back Aaron Finch to lead from the front and bounce back well.

Stats and Facts

Prediction

@BatBallSix says if you don’t expect a fightback from Australia, you are as wrong as people who say the Earth is flat.

Australia have the ultimate capabilities of giving Pakistan a hard time on their rented home. They have all the players a team needs, and today could be their day.

I will back Australia to win again!

And again, a big thank you to @BatBallSix for his fantastic contribution to this Preview. Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter!

Thanks for reading!

P.S., I have partnered with the absolutely amazing team at onlinecricstore.com, the most comprehensive Online Cricket Store you’ll see. Through me, you can enjoy discounts on 700+ products through a single code. Find out more today here.