Australia vs Pakistan Preview
Fifth ODI, Adelaide Oval , 26 January
Australia vs Pakistan Preview. The gulf between these teams was on display in Sydney. Australia’s top order came to the party, particularly Warner who scored 130. Khawaja, Smith and Head chipped in while Maxwell finished it off. Australia’s total of 6-353 was aided by dropped catches. Pakistan attacked early, especially Sharjeel Khan who scored 74 off 47 balls, but as predicted anything over 270 was challenging. In the end Pakistan was all out for 267, with Hazlewood and Zampa claiming 3 wickets each.
The series is over but Australia will want to win on our national day. Expect Australia to keep pressing hard in top order. Khawaja will be looking to cement his opening position by scoring a big one. If Australia’s top order sets a foundation then the middle order might have some fun like they did in Sydney. There will be nothing different from the bowlers, even if they rotate the personnel. They will test Pakistan’s patience and technique. Pakistan has simply been outclassed in this series and their fielding has not helped their cause. They have battled and won in Melbourne, but unless Khan, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam or Mohammad Hafeez has a day out, 4-1 looks the likely final outcome.
Stadium Record
Australia has won their last 2 at the Adelaide Oval against Pakistan and England. Before those victories, Australia suffered 3 losses in 4 games. Pakistan played three matches at the Adelaide Oval in the 2015 World Cup. They lost to India and Australia, but beat Ireland.
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5th ODI Australia vs Pakistan
Australia 1.25
Pakistan 4
Words: Rhys Thurston
