Pakistan Look to Write a New Script in Adelaide Clash Against Australia
After narrowly missing out on an incredible victory in the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistan will aim to bounce back and keep the series alive when they face Australia at the picturesque Adelaide Oval on Friday.
In the series opener, Pakistan’s fiery pace duo of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah almost pulled off a remarkable heist while defending a modest total of 203. Their short-pitched bowling tactics unsettled the Australian batters on the fast and bouncy surface, but the hosts ultimately prevailed by 2 wickets.
Adapting to Adelaide’s Conditions
To level the series, Pakistan will likely need to tweak their approach on the shorter dimensions of the Adelaide Oval, where they have only won once in 8 previous ODIs against Australia. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s side will need to focus on disciplined line and length bowling to contain an explosive Australian batting lineup determined to maintain their ultra-aggressive game plan.
Babar Azam’s Resurgence
Babar Azam was a class apart for Pakistan in Melbourne, scoring an elegant 37 off 44 balls before falling to Adam Zampa. The talismanic batter, who averages a staggering 56.52 in ODIs, will be eager to replicate his 2017 century against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
Australia’s Formidable Bowling Attack
For the home side, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is likely to return, replacing Sean Abbott, in what will be his final international outing before the crucial first Test against India. Mitchell Starc has been in sizzling form, while captain Pat Cummins was clutch with both bat and ball in the opening game.
“With the series on the line, this Adelaide clash promises to be a tantalizing affair between two evenly matched teams. Pakistan will be determined to defy their poor recent ODI record against Australia and keep the contest alive heading into the Perth decider.”
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