The first ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
Team Overviews
Pakistan: Under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan aimed to leverage their strong pace attack and solid batting lineup. With the return of key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, the team looked confident and determined to secure a win on Australian soil.
Australia: Australia, led by Pat Cummins, brought a mix of experienced players and promising new talents. With a focus on aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, the Australian team aimed to continue their dominance in ODI cricket and bounce back strongly.
Key Players
Pakistan:
- Mohammad Rizwan: The captain and a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman.
- Babar Azam: The star batsman known for his consistency and elegance.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm fast bowler capable of taking crucial wickets.
Australia:
- Pat Cummins: The captain and a leading fast bowler.
- Glenn Maxwell: An explosive middle-order batsman and handy off-spinner.
- Adam Zampa: The leg-spinner known for his ability to control the middle overs.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Total Matches: 108
- Pakistan Wins: 34
- Australia Wins: 70
- No Results: 3
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (C & wk)
- Salman Ali Agha (VC)
- Shadab Khan
- Asif Ali
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Usman Qadir
Australia:
- David Warner
- Marcus Stoinis
- Mitchell Marsh
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Adam Zampa
- Ashton Agar
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report
The MCG pitch is known to favour batters, offering good bounce and pace. Seamers can find some movement early on, but as the game progresses, it becomes more batting-friendly. Spinners might play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Match Scenarios
Given the conditions, winning the toss and opting to bat first could be advantageous, allowing the team to set a competitive total and put pressure on the opposition. A competitive score on this pitch would be around 300-320 runs.
First Innings: Australia, batting first, got off to a strong start with David Warner and Marcus Stoinis providing a solid opening partnership. However, disciplined bowling from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah kept the run rate in check. Australia managed to post a total of 310/8 in their 50 overs.
Second Innings: Pakistan, in response, started cautiously but lost early wickets. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. However, Australia’s bowlers, led by Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc, made crucial breakthroughs. Pakistan ended their innings at 295, falling short by 15 runs.
Match Prediction
Australia’s strong batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack gave them a slight edge. Pakistan’s pace attack performed well, but they couldn’t quite match Australia’s total. The match showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting series.
