Pakistan will take on Australia in what is almost a do-or-die match for them in a Group 2 contest of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Australia is the only team in the competition which has not lost even a single match and beating them will be a tough task for Pakistan.
Australia with four points from two matches and a healthy run-rate are sitting on top of the points table and will play in the semis until something dramatic happens. Pakistan on the other hand needs a big win and even than they will have to depend on the outcome of India-South Africa match.
Let’s have a look at some of the players from both teams who can make a difference in today’s match:
Australia:
Shane Watson: He has been the player of the tournament so far in the competition. He is the highest run-scorer, highest wicket-taker and has won the man of the match award on all four occasions. He has single-handedly took Australia to almost all their victories and will definitely be a player that Pakistan will need to find an answer to.
Michael Hussey: Australia’s top three are in fabulous form and Michael Hussey who is batting at number three has looked very good. Hussey is a tremendous finisher and can play according to the situation. He will be vital for Australia against the Pakistani spinners.
Pat Cummins: He has been most impressive in this tournament; Cummins bowls at express pace and has a very good slower ball. He can trouble the Pakistani batsmen with the pace he can generate from the pitch, he is also quite handy in the death overs.
Mitchell Starc: He had a brilliant series against Pakistan in UAE just before the start of the World Cup. He has been taking wickets upfront and will be looking to do that again. His in-swingers with the new ball are very dangerous.
Pakistan:
Nasir Jamshed: He has been good for Pakistan since he has made his debut. He was a bit unfortunate to be given out against the Indians and will be looking to take out his anger against the Australians. He was mighty impressive against Australia in UAE and will be looking to repeat that.
Shoaib Malik: He is one of the most experienced batsmen in the Pakistani line-up and played very well against the Indians. He bats too far down the order and is likely to bat up the order against the dangerous Australians. He can provide the solidity to Pakistan’s middle order.
Saeed Ajmal: He is a genuine match winner and Pakistan always depends very heavily on him. He failed to deliver against the Indians and will be looking to change that equation. He has to pick wickets early or Pakistan will be in deep trouble.
Raza Hasan: He has been very good in this tournament. He was the best bowler for Pakistan against India and will be looking to perform on the same lines.