Pakistan vs Australia 2018, 1st T20I – Dream11 Fantasy Tips

Pakistan managed to clinch the two-match Test series despite the Australian fight-back in the first Test to draw the game. However, the T20I series could be a far more competitive as Pakistan are ranked No.1 while Australia are No.3 in this format. The Aussies have a chance to claim the top position in T20I rankings for the first time if they manage to clean-sweep this three-match series. A 2-1 series win will put Australia at No.2 and bring down the points margin between them.

The series is likely to be dominated by the players with dual roles i.e. who can contribute with both bat and ball. Both the teams have plenty of them and the slow tracks in UAE could make the top-order batsmen roll their arms. The likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Glenn Maxwell, Hussain Talat, Ashton Agar and Imad Wasim could be among the top performers in this series.

Match Details:

The first T20I match between Pakistan and Australia will be hosted by the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match starts at 8:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT) (9:30 PM IST).

Last five T20I matches:

Pakistan: W, W, W, L, W.

Australia: W, L, W, L, W.

Pitch Condition/Report:

In the three T20Is at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium involving Pakistan played since 2016, the highest score recorded is only 124. The teams have struggled to get going at this venue with Pakistan’s bowling attack being one of the factors. This ground in Abu Dhabi didn’t record any big totals during the Asia Cup. However, the Abu Dhabi T20 tournament recorded some big totals despite playing on same tracks twice in a day. The huge boundaries at this venue were pushed in during this 3-day tournament.

Squads:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C), Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali.

Australia: Aaron Finch (C), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, D Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Ben McDermott, Peter Siddle.

Probable XI:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (c, wk), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter Nile, Billy Stanlake, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Power Picks:

Hussain Talat and Asif Ali could make a difference to one’s fantasy team. Adam Zampa will be crucial name given his recent form in the limited-overs cricket as he picked two wickets at an average every game. Andrew Tye and Maxwell will be crucial in this format for the Aussies. Billy Stanlake could well have a say in the game if he manages to trouble the Pakistan batsmen with his extra bounce.

Best Playing XI:

Sarfraz Ahmed, Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Hafeez, Hussain Talat, Mitchell Marsh, Shadab Khan, Nathan Coulter Nile, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Mohammad Hafeez has the opportunity to assess the majority of the game as he is set to bat in the top three. He usually bowls with the new ball and completes four overs regularly which makes him an ideal choice as captain. Babar Azam’s consistency in the T20Is, Maxwell’s dual role and Finch’s big innings can be considered while picking captain and vice-captain. Zampa and Tye’s wicket-taking ability do worth vice-captain choice.

Expert Advice:

Chris Lynn has a tendency of struggling on slow tracks and against spin bowling. However, Lynn could make merry in these conditions against the spinners on his day but cannot sacrifice any other big picking for him. Follow the same rule for Pakistan’s attacking opener Fakhar Zaman.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan could edge out Australia due to their adaptability to the tracks in UAE but Australia’s bowling attack can give the No.1 T20I team a run for its money.

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