Pakistan vs Australia, 5th T20I Preview: Aaron Finch’s men hoping to continue dominance

The Aussies will be hoping to continue their fine form as the series close beckons.

Published - 04 Jul 2018, 16:15 IST | Updated - 04 Jul 2018, 16:15 IST

2 Min Read

Aaron Finch’s Australia are proving to be a lot more tougher as compared the one led by Tim Paine in the Tests and ODI formats. However, a lot of success for the Aussies in the context of the tri-series can be attributed to the magnificent form their skipper has been in recent times. A thumping win over Pakistan first and then an even larger one against hosts Zimbabwe has shot them into the ‘favourites’ category immediately.

A net run-rate in excess of three is also something complementary towards the fact that they may very well win the tournament as well. Now, they face the might of Pakistan once again, a side they absolutely annihilated in the previous match. However, as far as Sarfraz Ahmed is concerned, it would be a case of redemption, especially given the fact that they are still the number one ranked side in the world.

In short, both sides will be hoping for a positive result as the final round of matches get underway in the context of the tri-series.

Team Combination

Pakistan

Although Sarfraz Ahmed’s men do remain a formidable force, their unpredicatability sees them turn up tumps from time to time. With a squad that has known to underperform from time to time, Mickey Arthur will have his task cut out. While many will not expect many changes in the playing XI, we may very well see the likes of Mohammad Hafeez dropped once again. Mohammad Nawaz may compliment Shadab Khan int he side given the penchant for spin.

Predicted XI: Haris Sohail, Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C&WK), Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz

Australia

At the moment, it would seem as though Australia can do no wrong. The way they have dominated the series has been quite fantastic, to say the least. However, while Aaron Finch and Billy Stanlake have been making their presence felt, it would also seem as though the others have not really lived up to expectations. D’Arcy Short has not really fired while the likes of Nic Maddinson and Glenn Maxwell have hardly been required with the bat. As the final approaches, the Aussies will be hoping that all their players would be seasoned.

Predicted XI: Aaron Finch (C), D’Arcy Short, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Billy Stanlake, Jhye Richardson

Focus will be on

Hasan Ali (Pakistan)

Although Hasan Ali has several accolades to his name, it would seem as though he has run out of a bit of steam this time around. His pace has taken a bit of a pounding as he seems to have dropped in terms of making the ball do the talking. Needless to say, Sarfraz Ahmed will be hoping that his main man fires ahead of the crucial encounter against the Aussies.

Aaron Finch (Australia)

Following the infamous ball-tampering scandal, Aaron Finch was left with a minute chance of winning anything, no less a series. However, as all captains do, he has stood up and faced the challenge as the Aussies now sit pretty atop the table and are virtually through to the final.

Head to Head

Played – 15 | Australia – 7, Pakistan – 7, Tie/NR – 1

Stat Attack

18 – Number of runs Fakhar Zaman requires to complete 500 T20I runs for Pakistan.

3 – Number of sixes required by Aaron Finch to tie him with David Warner for the most number of sixes by an Australian batsmen. At the moment, Warner has 79 sixes and Finch 76.

2 – Number of wickets Mohammad Amir requires to complete 50 T20I wickets. He will become the sixth Pakistan cricketer to do so.