Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
World T20 2018 favourites Australia start their campaign against a side whom they have enjoyed plenty of recent success against.
Pakistan enter this game and the tournament as significant outsiders, especially given they missed the Asia Cup Final earlier this year, as well as being blanked 3-0 by today’s opponents less than two weeks ago.
However, ICC tournaments can conjure up some incredible cricket, and Australia should aim to focus all their efforts on attempting to beat Pakistan, rather than thinking of the games ahead. Can Australia build on their excellent run of results?
That excellent run of results for Australia constitutes eight straight T20I wins, including magnificent 3-0 victories against New Zealand and Pakistan, both of whom are in Group B. With a wealth of cricketing talent and experience, Australia deservedly start the tournament as favourites, but there is no doubt that Pakistan will come out giving their all. Can Meg Lenning’s team flex their muscle straight away?
To say Pakistan are a chance is perhaps optimistic, but ICC tournaments are never short of an upset or two. The recent matches in Malaysia emphasised the gulf between the two sides, with Pakistan losing all three matches comfortably. But, this edition of the Women’s World T20 is the biggest yet, and the Pakistanis will be sure to give their all. Can they cause a big upset?
Key to an Australia win
In the recent three match series against Pakistan, Australia dominated with both bat and ball.
The top six of the Aussies can strike fear into any opponent, and is truly worthy of a world number one side. In Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney and Meg Lanning, Australia will be expecting a strong start, backed up by the likes of Elyse Villani, Rachael Haynes and Ellyse Perry. These players are in fantastic form, headlined by a huge total of 195/3 against Pakistan just two weeks ago. Can they dominate them again on the big stage?
Also, will Australia’s bowlers show the level of ruthlessness required from a tournament favourite? Like the batting, Australia possess proven performers in this format, who are capable of breaking the back of Pakistan’s batting in the powerplay. The key will be for the likes of Perry, Jess Jonassen and Megan Schutt to build the dot ball pressure on Pakistan. Despite the lack of power hitters in the Pakistan side, Australia need to continue putting the squeeze on their opponents.
Key to a Pakistan win
It will certainly be a huge effort, but how can Pakistan achieve an upset?
It is unfair to suggest a team’s best chance of winning lies at the coin toss, but if Pakistan get the opportunity to bat first, runs on the board can create scoreboard pressure. Of course, whether batting first or second, Pakistan need to ensure they keep the scoreboard ticking, whilst building partnerships after a solid powerplay. Omaima Sohail struck 45 against Australia recently, and displayed the courage and fight her teammates need to display today. Can the likes of Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar stand up?
Also, on pitches that could suit slower bowlers, Pakistan’s spinners have a key role to play. Sana Mir relinquished the captaincy after the World Cup in England last year, but always remains a threat with her canny off spin. But, against a strong Australian line up, one player can only do so much, which calls for a team effort from Pakistan in the field. Will Pakistan display the intensity and self belief required to beat Australia?
Possible XIs
Australia possible XI: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Beth Mooney, 3. Ashleigh Gardner, 4. Meg Lanning (c), 5. Elyse Villani, 6. Ellyse Perry, 7. Rachael Haynes, 8. Megan Schutt, 9. Georgia Wareham, 10. Sophie Molineux, 11. Jess Jonassen
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Nahida Khan, 2. Javeria Khan (c), 3. Bismah Maroof, 4. Umaima Sohail, 5. Aliya Riaz, 6. Nida Dar, 7. Anam Amin (wk) 8. Sana Mir, 9. Natalia Pervaiz, 10. Diana Baig, 11. Sidra Nawaz
Stats and Facts
- Australia recently beat Pakistan 3-0 in a T20I series.
- Australia have won their past eight T20Is, and have won the World T20 three times.
- Pakistan are ranked 7th. Australia 1st.
Prediction
A big difference between the sides is the power Australia possesses in their line up.
Expect Australia to be too strong and make a good start to their quest to life a fourth World T20 Title.
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