Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Can Australia’s UAE tour just end so preparation can start for a much-welcomed home series against South Africa?
After being knocked down on 89 chasing 156 on Wednesday, Australia put on a bit of better fight in the 2nd T20I. Their bowling again gave them a chance of victory, restricting Pakistan to below 150, but a controversial run out was the beginning of another batting struggle in Asia.
Can Australia finish off a tough tour with some pride, or will Pakistan pick up a nice clean sweep?
Key to a Pakistan win
Fakhar Zaman is not having the best of times in the UAE in T20Is, averaging 10.50 in four matches. But these statistics don’t tell less of the player Fakhar Zaman is, who has the ability to change the direction of the match. Can he, along with Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam, who are in good touch, give Pakistan a really strong start?
A strong start puts Pakistan in with a chance of completely batting Australia out of the game. Asif Ali is one player who can benefit from another good platform, as he has not yet fulfilled his reputation of batting big in last five or so overs, except a big six he hit off Billy Stanlake.
On the bowling front, Pakistan are firing. Imad Wasim’s economy rate is a key factor to stopping the run flow in powerplays, paving the way for his teammates to expose Australian batsmen looking to play get-out-of-jail shots. One player who improved in the 2nd T20I was Shadab Khan, who will be key again in a well-drilled Pakistan attack. Can they roll over Australia again?
Key to an Australia win
Win the toss. Bat first. Hope for the best.
The Australian bowlers are doing a commendable job in restricting Pakistan from reaching Mickey Arthur’s standard score of 170-180. However, their batting resembles an overpriced meal at a restaurant that fails to deliver; plenty of T20 quality on paper, unfortunately no results. Leaving plenty to be desired, the top order simply has to fire in the last match, paving the way for the likes of Glenn Maxwell to take advantage, and put pressure on Pakistan.
Possible XIs
Dream11
- Neither Sarfraz Ahmed or Alex Carey have fired in the series, but I will stick with Sarfraz.
- Babar Azam is in excellent accumulation form, and is looking good for another decent score. I believe Fakhar Zaman will play and will score well. He is in my side.
- Two of Australia’s spinning all-rounders make my side.
Stats and Facts
- Pakistan have now won 10 straight T20I series.
- Australia are winless on this tour of the UAE (1 draw, 3 losses).
- If Pakistan win, it will be their first ever limited overs whitewash over Australia in a series consisting of three or more matches.
Prediction
Expect more fight from Australia, but they simply haven’t been able to sustain pressure for extended periods so far.
Head over heart – Pakistan to win.
Thanks to @AbduShakoorcric for his contribution to this Preview. Be sure to give him a follow!
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