Will the 34 match winning streak come to an end or will it extend further to 35? The penultimate encounter of Group B between Australia and Pakistan is going to be a cracker. Both teams have performed exceptionally well in the tournament so far. With Pakistan being the team, who defeated Aussies in World Cup in the year 1999 the match seems to be of neck to neck fight. Pakistan have won three and lost four of their seven World Cup matches against Australia, including a crucial win on their way to the 1992 World Cup triumph.
Pakistani captain was found quoting that we are going to once again give Aussies some hard nuts. While addressing the reporters Shahid Afridi said that they have the firepower to beat Australia and end their winning streak. On the other hand Ricky Ponting said that their team is also ready to face the challenge posed by Pakistan.
Looking at the tournament so far both these teams have emerged as a strong contender for the Semis and even for a spot in Finals. Pakistan till now have played very good cricket in all departments. Their bowling is currently one of the best bowling among all the participating teams. With their captain leading the highest number of wickets tally currently in the ongoing World Cup and Shoaib Akhtar can break any batting line up with his speed. This being his last cup makes him even more dangerous. In the batting the big 4 viz Kamran, Misbah, Younus and Umar can tear apart any bowling attack. Meanwhile Hafeez and Shehzad has also impressed by their opening.
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If look at the Aussies, no term is suitable for them except “Champions”, Be it any department of the game the Aussies have excelled in all. Australia is currently almost the replica of the Steve Waugh’s 1999 world cup winners. Although without Michael Hussey and Andrew Symonds there batting looks weak but still Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting can tear any bowling attack anytime. The major concern is there bowling pace battery. Pace and swing is not the best option on slow and flat pitches of sub continent. So Jason Kreza will be a crucial player but lacking in exposure at sub continent level may play negative on them. Also one blond spinner can be very lethal as we all have seen in the 1999 world cup.
By,
Tarun Avtar Arya,
