Preview: Pakistan face an uphill task against Australia

The last day of the super eight stage has a lot to offer. It begins with the crunch game between an in-form Australia and a rather confused Pakistan. Many say that bowling is Pakistan’s major strength and even I am a firm believer of that, but it just hasn’t clicked for them. The bowlers have been good in patches but haven’t troubled the batsman a great deal. Their batting as always has been inconsistent.

Australia on the other hand have been sublime form, well, actually Watson has been in sublime form and has done it all for them- scoring runs, taking wickets, stopping boundaries etc. It seems that apart from Watson, the other batsman just haven’t spent time in the middle. The bowlers have been good but all in all the entire team has revolved around the brilliance of Watson. Their only worry against Pakistan would be that their middle order hasn’t had much exposure in the tournament. If Watson gets out who does the big hitting? If he goes runs then whom do they throw the ball to? I am sure the Australians would be aware of the fact and would come out prepared for the worst.

It is a must win game for Pakistan for if they lose, progressing to the next stage would be highly unlikely. Still a lot of permutations possible in this group as Pakistan and India are very close on NRR. Pakistan would like to win it to give them more chance of qualifying. Australia are through unless they lose to Pakistan by a very huge margin and a similar margin unfold in the match between India and South Africa.

Players to watch out for

Australia

Shane Watson- He is the man of the moment. This charismatic cricketer has blown us all away with his sheer brilliance in all the departments. He is the go to man for George Bailey. The top run getter and wicket taker should fire or Australia might find themselves in unfamiliar territory. He certainly would have been the most discussed man in the Pakistan team meetings and they would try and use quality spin upfront. Ajmal vs Watson would be a fantastic contest.

Mitchell Starc- He has had a good T20 World Cup chipping in with wickets in all the matches. With his natural angle away from the right hander, he is bound to pose some serious problems to the top order. His death bowling and pace variations have also been commendable.

Mike Hussey- The most experienced Aussie would be raring to go out there and showcase his skills. He has had very less to do up till now, but has shown decent form in his small stay at the crease. In case Watson fails tomorrow, a lot would rest on the shoulders of this guy.

Pakistan

Mohammad Hafeez- The captain hasn’t really set the stage on fire. He has been economical but the wickets column do not do justice to his talent. As an opener too, he just hasn’t got going. In the match against India he scored 15 of 28 balls. That sort of strike rate is just not acceptable in this form of the game. He needs to increase the intensity and bring out his best in a do-or-die situation. He enjoys the big stage and might just surprise them with his all-round performance.

Saeed Ajmal- He is always one to look out for. Pakistan’s trump card could turn the tide in their favour against an inexperienced Australian middle order. His off spinners, doosra and top spinner could catch any batsman wrong footed. Hafeez might use him to trouble Watson upfront because once you get rid of him, the pressure would gradually shift onto the Australians.

Shahid Afridi- I think it was a good sending him at no.3 against the Indians, bad luck it didn’t work. On his day, he can take the game away from you in a matter of 20-25 deliveries. His pinch hitting skills are being wasted so low down the order and I wouldn’t be surprised if Pakistan send him up the order once again. He is a fierce competitor and loves these pressure situations. If not with the bat, he is sure to give you some entertainment with the ball.

Pakistan, the most successful T20 side has once again been pushed to the wall, they have been in such situations before and only time would tell if they have the composure and the confidence to outwit the Aussies

Head to head

These two teams have met 10 times before. Pakistan lead the head to head 5-4 with one game tied .

Prediction

I would go with Australia on current form. The loss to India showed Pakistan’s weak middle order and you just can’t beat the Aussies with any sort of chink in your armour.

Australia should win this easily.