Match Preview: Australia vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 18th Match

As the 2023 World Cup unfolds, a crucial group-stage encounter between Australia and Pakistan is on the horizon. Though the game's outcome depends on several factors, including Pakistan's current lead in points and net run rate, Australia's ability to defy the odds is well-known. Both teams have a rich history of reaching the World Cup's final four, making this match even more significant. The game will be played at the picturesque Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, adding further excitement to the encounter.

Venue Insights

The 18th match of the World Cup 2023 between Australia and Pakistan will unfold at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Historically, this venue is recognized for its batting-friendly flat pitches and short boundaries, inviting high-scoring encounters. Bowlers, particularly pacers and spinners, have a task cut out as they have to devise strategies to counter the batting paradise. Given the flat nature of the pitch combined with shorter boundaries, the captain winning the toss will likely favour chasing.

Form Guide - Australia

Australia's current momentum in the tournament is reflected in their WLLWL form. After facing defeats against strong contenders like India and South Africa, they showcased their mettle by overpowering Sri Lanka. This victory wasn't just about adding points, but also an assertion of their comeback capabilities. Mitchell Marsh's return to form and Adam Zampa's spell, especially in the middle overs, were highlights. Australia's potential concern might be their inability to restrict opposition openers, but their feat against Sri Lanka, claiming the last nine wickets for just 52 runs, speaks of their potency.

Form Guide - Pakistan

Pakistan, with a form guide reading LWWLL, has displayed a blend of brilliance and unpredictability. Although ahead of Australia in points and net run rate, their susceptibility to collapse, as seen against India, can't be overlooked. While they boast of a commendable bowling attack and a strong top order, injuries and lack of form have been deterrents. Their middle order has shown sparks, but their recent performance against India remains a concern. Wins against an Associate nation and the sole winless side of the tournament hint at their journey's complexity.

Players to Watch

Glenn Maxwell and Babar Azam are the marquee players in the spotlight for this encounter. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting during middle and death overs, hasn't truly ignited this World Cup yet. However, his records, especially against Pakistan, are commendable. Meanwhile, Babar, Pakistan's skipper and one of the world's top batsmen has faced criticism for his early dismissals in the tournament. After a soft dismissal post a half-century against India, he'll be under pressure to lead from the front.

Team Composition

Australia appears confident, with Pat Cummins confirming the fitness of Adam Zampa, suggesting an unchanged lineup. On the other hand, Pakistan faces several considerations. Although a recent viral infection affected the team, the majority are now recovering. Fakhar Zaman will be sidelined for at least two matches due to a knee injury. Given Pakistan's struggles during the middle overs and the anticipated flat pitch, the team is pondering changes. There's a choice between Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, with the possibility of Usama Mir making his World Cup debut.

Pitch and Weather Report

The Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its flat pitch and small boundaries, which promise high scores and an exciting batting experience. Due to this, chasing is usually preferred by the teams. The weather forecast for Bengaluru predicts a sunny day with temperatures expected to hover around 31°C. The humidity level is low, at approximately 49%, and there is a gentle breeze blowing at 14 kmph. These conditions are ideal for an uninterrupted game.

Predicted Line-ups

Australia (Probable): Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh

Pakistan (Probable): Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Nawaz/Shadab Khan

Dream11 Prediction

Broadcast Details

The Australia vs Pakistan match will be live on Star Sports, covering multiple languages. Indian fans can stream it on Disney+ Hotstar. The action unfolds at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, October 20, starting at 2 pm IST/ 8:30 am GMT. Ensure you tune in for this thrilling encounter.

Conclusion

In the grand arena of World Cup battles, Australia versus Pakistan has always held a special place. With both teams bringing their unique strengths and vulnerabilities to Bengaluru, it's not just about the points but also about upholding legacies. As the Chinnaswamy Stadium gears up for what promises to be a high-scoring spectacle, fans worldwide eagerly await to see which team takes a step closer to World Cup glory.