THE PEALITY CHECK – The Broader Perspective Australia’s unbeaten streak of 34 World Cup matches can come to an end against Pakistan. Today’s game between the two will decide who tops the group, a position which should ensure an easier opponent in the last eight. Although Australia have remained unbeaten so far in the tournament, their overall performance has been far from imposing. Australia’s batting has left much to be desired of with Ricky Ponting and Cameroon White out of form. Michael Hussey’s return has lent the middle order the much needed vigor while Michael Clarke also seems to be getting back in form.
However, it’s the Australian openers who give them the edge, with both Shane Watson and Brad Haddin in ominous form. Pinning down the Australian openers will be crucial for Pakistan. Australia might think of bringing in David Hussey in place of Steve Smith or Cameroon White, which will give them a better spinning option. Australian pacers have taken wickets in the tournament but haven’t been as convincing as they would have liked. Young Canadian opener Hiral Patel clobbered them for quite a few runs in the last game which will give Pakistani openers a clue. The spinners have been Australia’s biggest bug bear, with Jason Krejza hardly taking any wickets, let alone making an impact. Yet the Australians are a professional and positive side and Pakistan will have to play strongly to excel.
Pakistan, in the meantime, should aim and play their best XI – the same which they want to carry on with in the knockouts. Saeed Ajmal should definitely get a game as he is a wicket taker and not merely a container. Spin can take some spin so you might see both Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal play. Shoaib Akhtar is also expected to be back in place of Wahab Riaz, given his experience and good record against Australia. Umar Akmal is also fit and will be slotted in at number six, with Ahmed Shahzad being dropped and Kamran Akmal opening the batting.
Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq are the centrifugal forces of Pakistan batting and they should stand up against the tough opposition and lead the way to avoid any crisis situation. Abdul Razzaq is proving to be a burden for the team and the management should take a decision to make him fruitful by either making him bat higher or replacing him with a specialist bowler who will at least bowl full 10 overs. If Pakistanis can manage the Australian quicks, they can really cash in on their spinners and part time bowlers.
So they will have to strategise well and go all out till the last ball. The game will be a genuine hit out for both teams, preparing them for the quarterfinals. With Australia unbeaten in this World Cup thus far and Pakistan impressive overall, this shapes as a high-quality clash of cricketing titans. Form Guide & Conditions
Australia enjoy a superior ODI record against Pakistan, having won 52 of the 82 ODIs played between the two sides. Pakistan have won only 29. The pitch at Premadasa is expected to be suitable for pitches something where Pakistan can cash in. However there is a very high chance of rain on Saturday which can affect the game and prove to be a dampener and you can expect a reduced game.
Watch Out For Michael Hussey is back and a batsman for any situation. He can accelerate, defend or consolidate depending on the situation. You give him a task to do and he can usually achieve it. He also has good record against Pakistan, which makes him dangerous. Umar Gul has good control on line and length than most of the bowlers today. He is capable of doing some serious damage with the old ball and has also started to make an impact at the top of the order because he is a genuine wicket-taker who isn’t afraid to mix things up.
Who Wins If Pakistan play 100 overs of intense cricket like they did against Sri Lanka, they can definitely beat Australia today. A win will see Pakistan lock up the top spot in group A, while a loss could see them fall to third. Pakistan have to believe in themselves and with Australian vulnerabilities, they can come good today.
Likely Playing Elevens
Australia: Watson, Haddin (wk), Ponting, Clarke, White, M Hussey, Smith/D Hussey, Johnson, Krejza, Lee, Tait
Pakistan: Hafeez, K Akmal (wk), Asad, Younis, Misbah, U Akmal, Afridi, A Razzaq, A Rehman/Ajmal, Gul, Shoaib
