Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Can Pakistan stage a comeback in the series?

Published - 26 Mar 2019, 13:53 IST | Updated - 26 Mar 2019, 13:53 IST

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Pakistan’s performance in the series against Australia has been highly frustrating. Even though they are playing with a depleted side, the team isn’t as weak as the scorelines suggest. They are already 0-2 down in the five-match ODI series with three more games still left. If they are to win it from here, they’ve got to pull off what Australia did in India a few days ago. But, that seems to be highly improbable looking at the way they are playing.

Clearly, the team is in the experimentation mode and wants to give chances to all the players. But, it is also important to win games at the same time. Australia, captained by Aaron Finch, have hardly had good starts playing overseas in the last two years. They will be eager to pounce on this wonderful opportunity and bag the series in the 3rd ODI itself at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Pitch and Conditions

Pakistan last played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium at Abu Dhabi in December last year. Even though the track was good to bat on, the Kiwis struggled on that pitch and the hosts won the game easily. Yet again, it should be a good batting surface and it is advisable to bat second after winning the toss. It is predicted to be cloudy on Wednesday. Humidity levels will increase in the evening bringing the dew factor in. Also, the pitch is expected to quicken up in the second innings.

Team Combinations

Pakistan

The Pakistan pacers have failed to create an impact thus far in the two matches. This could prompt the management to take a few tough calls. Both Usman Shinwari and Junaid Khan could be roped into the eleven in place of Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Hasnain. Imad Wasim might bat slightly higher up in the batting order for the 3rd ODI.

Predicted XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari, Junaid Khan.

Australia

Australia have got to make a forced change for this game. Jhye Richardson is ruled out for the rest of the three matches and this will pave way for Pat Cummins to make it into the eleven. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the pacer to create an impact and seal his spot in the World Cup squad. The visitors could rest a few players after they bag the series.

Predicted XI: Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch (C), Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.