Pakistan, battered and bruised in the heavy defeat against India in their last game, will face a stern test from a resurgent Australia when the two teams meet in Bangalore on Friday.
On paper, Pakistan have had a better World Cup so far with two wins under their belt as compared to only one by the Australians. But while Pakistan will be hurting after the embarrassment against India, the team from Down Under, who began the tournament with back-to-back losses will perhaps be in a better frame of mind after their confident win over Sri Lanka. Will that make a difference?
It can, given Pakistan’s brittle nature in the face of pressure. A team of talented players, Pakistan still hold on to their notorious reputation of being one of the most unpredictable sides in cricket. The way they caved in versus India, it will surely have an effect on the team psyche. Whether they can jump over that hurdle is a bet few will take.
Pakistan’s strength is in their bowlers, but almost all of them faltered in the last game. With the pitch in Bangalore traditionally helping batters, that’s a big worry. They will particularly need a sharper Shaheen Shah Afridi for striking those early blows. Also a concern has been their ordinary spin attack, with Shadab Khan, basically an all-rounder, being out of form. Leg-spinner Usama Mir may get a look-in on Friday.
Australia have lesser concerns, but would need to be tighter in almost all departments.
