Can Pakistan keep their strong run going?
After a stunning red-ball series against England, Pakistan have reached Australia for a white-ball series with Mohammad Rizwan leading the visitors.
The ODI series kicks off the tour and ahead of the opening ODI match, here’s our match preview and predictions.
1st ODI| Pakistan tour of Australia 2024 | 09:00 IST, November 4
Let’s start with the visitors, with Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi having given up the captaincy armband, it’s Mohammad Rizwan leading the squad which is a mix of new talent with experience. One name that will have all the spotlight on him will be Babar Azam. Azam was removed from the final two Tests against England, following a string of poor form but Azam’s class can not be denied and maybe a break was something that Azam himself needed. Azam will be key for the visitors with the bat, especially in Australian conditions with the likes of Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub and Rizwan himself being those who will have to step up.
Shaheen Shah Afridi is another one, who will be looking to bounce back after being left out with Azam for the final two Tests and with Haris Rauf raring to go, the Pakistani fast bowling line-up is something that the hosts should look out for and with the likes of Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain, it will be an attack which should not be taken lightly.
The hosts on the other hand have a strong squad with a couple of spots to fill. With Travis Head rested, the opening spot will be up for grabs and Matthew Short will most likely partner the young Jake Fraser-McGurk up top. Steve Smith and his aide, Marnus Labuschange will be the key batters for the hosts and both will need to step up while Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will be the key all-rounders with no Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh. The bowling attack will be led by captain Patrick Cummins and Mitchell Starc with Adam Zampa being the front-line spinner in a well-rounded squad.
The first ODI will be at the iconic MCG, and the seamers will be licking their lips at the sight of a green strip. We should be in for a high-scoring game with the seamers causing havoc early on. Australia will be holding the advantage and expect the hosts to start the series with a win.
Fantasy XI: Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschange, Mohammad Rizwan, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
Venue: Melbourne
Winners Prediction: Australia
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