Australia vs Pakistan Prediction

AUS Team News

Australia have stuck with the same 11 players for all three matches so far. But they will have to make a forced change this time around as all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out of this upcoming encounter against Pakistan due to a side strain he had picked up in the match against India. Australia are likely to draft fast bowler Kane Richardson into their line-up as a replacement for Stoinis which means wicketkeeper Alex Carey will have to be pushed up at number six.

AUS Key Players

Steve Smith may not have won over opposition supporters since his comeback from his ban after the ball-tampering scandal, but his form means he can not be ignored either. After warming up for the tournament in top form, he has now hit 73 against West Indies and 69 against India in his last two innings.

David Warner also hit a half-century last time out – his second of the tournament – though it was compiled slowly. On the other hand, Alex Carey’s unbeaten 55 from 35 balls proved his form and showed his team-mates how the chase should have been approached.Others to look out for with the bat include captain Aaron Finch, who was named player of the series when these teams last met in the UAE. Finch hit two centuries (including a high score of 153*) and two half-centuries on his way to 451 runs in five innings.

With the ball, Pat Cummings has six wickets to his name so far to continue his fine form, while Mitchell Starc now has seven, five of which came in a match-winning performance against West Indies.

AUS Team Form

Australia arrived in England in resurgent ODI form and kicked off the World Cup 2019 with two wins. They bowled Afghanistan out for 207 to start with a seven-wicket win and then defended 288 against West Indies next up – a win which owed much to Mitchell Starc, who claimed 5-46.

Their winning start was ended by India last time out, however, as some excellent late hitting left Australia chasing 353 to win. Steve Smith, David Warner and Alex Carey all passed 50 but, ultimately, the scoreboard pressure proved too much and they were eventually bowled out off the final ball for 316.