Australia to host Pakistan in 2015 cricket world cup quarter-final match on 20 March at Adelaide Oval. Pakistan lost two matches in pool stage of tournament when West Indies and India defeated them whereas Aussies lost only one match throughout the league phase which was against New Zealand.
Preview
This is going to be a tough challenge for Pakistan as they will meet inform and world cup 2015 favorites team Australia. 1992 cricket world cup champions PAK team didn’t start well in this year’s competition as they lost first 2 matches against arch rivals India and West Indies. The way they lost, it was really disappointed for Pakistani fans as team was completely out dated and were about to get early exit from the tournament.
Pakistan team came back in form from their third match of world cup and won all next four matches to qualify in quarter-finals. PAK bowling has been good in the competition so far insights of Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Irfan. But Pakistan got big blow ahead of knockout game as Irfan has been ruled out from ICC world cup.
Sarfaraz’s hundred in last match against Ireland, was the first ton for Pakistani team in 2015 world cup. Misbah Ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz have played some good knocks in the competition so far and will be eager to do it tomorrow against home team.
Australian team hasn’t got too much practice in 11th edition of world cup as their second game of tournament against Bangladesh was washout whereas last pool match versus Scotland was also rain interrupted. Still Australian team is in good form as they scored 400 plus runs in other world cup games and had great close match against neighbors New Zealand.
Read more: How Pakistan can beat Australia
Mitchell Starc is bowling aggressive than Johnson which nobody was expecting. Bowling has been up to the mark and team almost defended 150 score against Kiwis. Michael Clarke’s returning to form after coming from injury is a great sign for Australia and team is now ready to lift world cup for the fifth time in cricket history.
Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, David Warner are in tremendous touch and played some glorious shoots throughout the competition. These players will be the biggest headache for Pakistani bowlers in tomorrow’s quarter-final clash.
Predictions
Australia is much better and balanced side than Pakistan hence they are favorites to win third quarterfinal. But Pakistan can win this match as well as they are unpredictable side always and can beat anyone on their day. As per Sports Mirchi Australia have got 65 percent chances over PAK.
Ahmad Shakir
I think Pak chances to win is more than 90%.