Pakistan go classic Pakistan but how long can they continue?
Not many had foreseen Pakistan playing the way did down under. Yes, they stomped over England in the Test series at home but defeating Australia in Australia has never been Pakistan’s strongest suit. In fact, it has been anything but that. That Pakistan last won an ODI series in Australia in 2002 is enough evidence to accept why the above statement is true. But this time it does not seem as impossible. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming up in less than a fortnight, many key Aussie players will not play the last ODI. Having already won one game, all the visitors need to do is halt the leftover Australian team from a victory.
Even against a near-full-strength Australian team, Pakistan showed no signs of intimidation. As a matter of fact, had it not been for Pat Cummins’ resistance in the first game, the men in green might already have the series in hand. In a nutshell, Pakistan have been a classic version of themselves so far in this series: an almost invincible bowling lineup compensating for the shortcomings of the batters as well. Yet, it would be unfair to say that the batters hinge entirely upon their bowling counterparts, especially after Pakistan’s openers made the Aussie bowlers toil hard in the second game. This new-found strength at the crease seemingly was fueled by the pressure that the bowlers applied in the first innings, keeping the series alive for the Perth encounter.
Team Overview:
Pakistan’s pace attack has often made the fans forget that the team has no frontline spinner. And in all fairness, they do not need one if their pacers can keep on going as they are. Haris Rauf, who calls Melbourne his second home, has found buried treasures from the Australian surface. Nothing is surprising in that, bowlers who thrive in bouncy conditions are bound to find success in these conditions but Rauf has pushed his game up a notch by doing what he often forgets while bowling: not losing discipline. In a way, Pakistan bowlers have helped the batters steady their feathers too. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique looked entirely different in Adelaide than they did in Melbourne. Babar Azam, too, faced his fears front on and dispatched an Adam Zampa delivery for a six to win the last game.
There is nothing too deeply wrong with the Aussies. They lost a toss that needed to be won, a few mishaps in the field stung them badly, and perhaps some deliveries were read incorrectly which turned out to be expensive. That’s not a rarity in cricket but Pakistan’s sudden change for good has made it look more ugly on Australia than it would have otherwise been. They will be playing the third ODI under a new captain, with a transformed and younger pace attack. Marcus Stoinis will make his way back to the team for the first time after the ODI World Cup in India. With all three of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc out of the side, either of the young pacers Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett will get called into the team along with Sean Abbott. Lance Morris is another exciting prospect who is being seen by many as the successor of the Aussie pace trio.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Pakistan have faced Australia in 74 ODI matches, out of which the latter won 38 while the former came out on top in 16 games. Both teams share 20 drawn matches in the 50-over format. Pakistan have not won an ODI series against Australia in Australia since 2002.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Perth Sun and the city’s balmy weather will be of the spectators to witness the series decider. The surface has plenty of bounce in it but of the kind that will help the batters as well. The best way to clear the fence is to go after the straight boundaries. All in all, the surface will have a lot on offer for everyone.
Prediction:
You will not often hear anyone saying this, but it is Pakistan who are favorites to win against Australia down under in the third ODI. The batters need to hold on to the morale they have built in the past two games and let the pacers handle the rest. Nothing can stop Pakistan from winning it except Pakistan themselves.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tamasha App, Tapmad A sports
Australia: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
India: Star Sports 1, Hotstar app
UK: Sky Sports
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
USA: Willow TV
