Australia tour of Pakistan 2022
PAK vs AUS Series 2022: Pakistan will play Australia in One-Off T20I
Australia's tour of Pakistan 2022 will come to an end with a one-off T20I encounter on Tuesday in Lahore. The tour began with a three-match Test series, which was followed by a three-match ODI series. The Test series ended in a 1-0 victory for Australia, but the limited-overs series was won by Pakistan by a margin of 2-1. Therefore, it will be fascinating to see who win the twenty20 format series. The one-off T20 match preview of the PAK vs AUS series 2022 is discussed in this article.
One-off T20I Match preview of the Pakistan-Australia Series 2022
There will be some changes in the playing XI for both sides since it’s a twenty20 format of cricket. Pakistan selectors included 17 players in the squad, which gives the team management some options to select an ideal playing XI for the match. But the biggest news for Pakistan's campaign is that injured all-rounder Shadab Khan is likely to play in this match.
On the other hand, some Australian players tested positive for COVID-19 in recent tests. The visiting side will be hoping that all the players remain free from the coronavirus and available for the one-off T20 match against Pakistan. The match will start on Tuesday at 9.30 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Pakistan
Pakistan would seek to avenge their recent semifinal loss to Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021. The Pakistan team certainly has the players to put in a dominant performance over the Baggy Green short-format side. This Pakistan T20 team has some world-class all-rounders, power hitters, and genuine wicket-taking bowlers. So, the Pakistan team should feel confident heading into the match against Australia.
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Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been in outstanding form since the Test series. He saved a Test match with a big hundred, followed by two white-ball centuries, which helped Pakistan to clinch the ODI series. Will Babar step up to the challenge once more for Pakistan in the lone Twenty20 match against Australia?
Probable playing XI
Top Order: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Fakhar Zaman, Middle-Orders: Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Lower-Order: Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Australia
Two of Australia’s prominent T20 players, Josh Inglis and Ashton Agar, were tested positive for coronavirus. They are currently in isolation but will go for a further COVID-19 test before the match starts.
If their tests come back negative, then they will be selected for this match. Besides, there is a strong possibility that Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne may make their T20I debuts. Australia will put the host team to the test if they can find the proper balance for the encounter.
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Probable Playing XI
Top Order: Aaron Finch (captain), Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Middle Orders: Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Lower Order: Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff
Weather Forecast and Pitch Report
There is no chance of rain on Tuesday in Lahore. The game would begin in the evening, giving an ideal setting for a T20 contest. This match has the potential to become a run-fest due to the batting-friendly pitch.
Bottom Line
The Pakistan team may believe they are in a strong position to beat Australia in this match, considering that the hosts secured the ODI series against the visitors just a few days earlier in Lahore. Pakistan currently has the momentum and would like to use smart tactics to overcome Australia in the match. On the other hand, the Australian batters will go after Pakistan's bowling lineups in an attempt to disrupt their rhythm and seize control of the game. The team that can fight more diligently will have a better chance of winning this lone T20 match of PAK vs AUS series 2022 given that both sides have some world-class T20 cricketers.
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2 years ago
PAK vs AUS Series 2022: Australia Eye Third Spot in ICC CWC Super league
Australia won the first ODI against Pakistan by an 88-run margin, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Australia had dominated for the majority of the game, but Pakistan had a chance when Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq were on the ground. Once this pair was broken, the batting order collapsed, which suggests Pakistan have an issue in the middle order. The hosts will be hoping to make a strong comeback in the second match in order to level the series. On the other hand, Australia’s target would be to seal the limited-overs PAK vs AUS series 2022 as well as to reach the third spot in the ICC CWC Super League.
Second ODI preview of the Pakistan-Australia Series 2022
Pakistan missed star left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the series-opening contest on March 29 due to a knee injury. Latest reports suggest Shaheen Afridi will return to the playing XI and either Mohammad Wasim or Hasan Ali will make way for him.
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On the other hand, the Australian squad has been hit hard by COVID-19, but the good news is that all the members tested negative on Wednesday. So, everyone should be available for selection and the expectation is that Australia will field the same playing XI in the second match. The second One-Day International of the PAK vs AUS series 2022 will be played at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore at 4 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Pakistan
This series is a part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, so losing a match means forfeiting 10 valuable points. Given the current scenario of the points standings, Pakistan are in the eleventh position with only 40 points. The most worrying factor is that they have four series left except for the ongoing series. Pakistan need points in order to climb the standings as the top eight teams will advance to the next World Cup 2023.
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Since Shaheen Afridi will return to the playing XI, Babar Azam would be anticipating a more disciplined performance from his pace bowling unit. Except for Haris Rauf, the Pacers were a tad underwhelming. Afridi has the capacity to terrify the batting lineups of the opposition. It would be ideal for Pakistan if he could give early breakthroughs. Pakistan's batting line-up requires more consistent performances in the middle overs since their weakness in this area was revealed in the first encounter.
Probable playing XI
Top Order: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain);
Middle-Orders: Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Hasan Ali;
Lower-Order: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zahid Mahmood.
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Australia
Victory has enhanced the confidence of the Australian campaign, as seen in the first ODI. They had dominated Pakistan all through the game, putting them under constant pressure. The Australian dressing room should be a happy place aside from the threat of coronavirus.
Australia will go into this encounter with two specific objectives in mind: to win the series with a game to spare and to finish third in the World Cup Super League. Australia should consider themselves favourites going into the match after their performance in the first ODI. They would have 80 points if they defeat Pakistan in this match, one point more than India, who are presently in the third position.
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Travis Head showed off his batting skills by smashing a 70-ball century in the opening encounter. He, Aaron Finch, and Marnus Labuschagne will be crucial in the middle overs. Since the Australian team has some genuine power hitters, acceleration should not be an issue in the death overs if the platform is set. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa wreaked havoc on Pakistan's late middle order, taking four wickets. Therefore, he will be a critical asset for Australia in achieving breakthroughs when needed. Apart from him, the pacers must perform well in order to maintain pressure on the batters.
Probable Playing XI
Top Order: Travis Head, Aaron Finch (captain), Ben McDermott;
Middle Orders: Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (Wicket-Keeper), Cameron Green, Sean Abbott;
Lower Order: Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Swepson.
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Weather Forecast and Pitch Report
There is no chance of rain in Lahore on Thursday, and the sun is expected to shine throughout the day. The second ODI pitch, which is projected to behave in the same way as the previous encounter, is expected to be a run-fest.
Bottom Line
Australia may start as a slight favourite to complete the PAK vs AUS series 2022 in the second ODI. However, no one can rule out Pakistan, particularly in their own territory. The hosts have the potential to stun the Australian team with a proper game plan and execution on the field. The match promises to be thrilling since it is a do-or-die game for Pakistan.
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2 years ago
PAK vs AUS Test Series 2022: Pakistan, Australia face off in series decider in Lahore
The ongoing Pakistan-Australia Test series has been criticized for its pitches. Experts believe the hosts have adopted a safe approach by constructing flat wickets in order to prevent a series loss. The visitors had a chance to win the second match but were only denied by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's outstanding effort. Therefore, the third Test in Lahore has turned into a series decider, with a lot on the line. The third match preview of the PAK vs AUS Test series 2022 is discussed in this article.
Third Match Preview of the PAK vs AUS Test Series 2022
The latest Test match in Karachi offered a lot of positives for both Pakistan and Australia. The manner the Australian team played and created a genuine opportunity to upset Pakistan should be acknowledged. On the other side, the Pakistan team should be pleased with how they managed to draw the match and Captain Babar Azam's brave knock. The decider will be hosted at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from March 21 to 25. The third Test is slated to begin at 11 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Pakistan
Pakistan does have a strong bowling unit given the characteristics of the surface. Spinners might be a serious threat on day three and beyond. Therefore, Pakistan will almost likely deploy two spinners. In addition, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali will be crucial since they both know how to take wickets with the new ball.
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Babar Azam's present form in the batting order will be key for Pakistan. He has the potential to make a huge impact in the series decider yet again. Apart from him, both openers and the veteran Azhar Ali are in fantastic form with the bat. Pakistan should be able to go up against Australia with confidence. The hosts may keep their playing lineup unchanged, although there's a chance that promising pacer Naseem Shah may be included.
Probable playing XI
Top Order: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (captain).
Middle-Orders: Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali.
Lower-Order: Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah.
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Australia
The Australian side was disappointed after losing out on defeating Pakistan in the last match. It is better to forget about the previous Tests, and they should be well prepared for the third. Usman Khawaja has been a revelation for Australia since his comeback to the side in the Ashes series. Khawaja will be the biggest source of concern for Pakistan along with Steven Smith and David Warner. Also, Labuschagne has the capacity to surprise the opposition by delivering a superb innings.
In bowling, Australia will almost certainly use two spinners in the Lahore Test, indicating that the playing XI will remain unchanged. Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins must provide early breakthroughs for Australia to maintain pressure on Pakistan's batting line-ups.
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Probable Playing XI
Top Order: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne.
Middle Orders: Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins (captain).
Lower Order: Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.
Weather Prediction and Pitch Report
Forecasts indicate that the weather will continue dry for the next five days, with no chance of rain. As a result, the match will take place in a hot and sunny environment. The pitch is likely to stay the same in the Lahore Test. Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam feels that spinners would be useful throughout the match. The toss-winning captain is likely to bowl first if the surface offers anything for the quicker bowlers in the early morning of day one.
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Pakistan vs Australia Third Test 2022: Gaddafi Stadium Stats
Lahore’s famous Gaddafi Stadium is the venue for the third match of the Pakistan vs Australia Test series 2022. Let's take a look at some of the ground's interesting Test cricket statistics.
Test stats: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore
Matches Played: 40 | Result (win): 18 | Result (Draw): 22 | Highest Innings: 329 (Inzamam-ul-Haq) | Best Bowling (Innings): 9/56 (Abdul Qadir) | Highest Team innings: 699/5 | Lowest Team Innings: 73
Pakistan’s record at the Gaddafi Stadium: Played: 40 | Win: 12 | Lost: 6 | Draw: 22
Australia’s record at the Gaddafi Stadium: Played: 5 | Win: 1 | Lost: 1 | Draw: 3
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Bottom Line
Both teams will aim to win this Test in order to clinch the series. Interestingly, Australia and Pakistan are currently in first and second place in the ongoing ICC Test Championship points standings. Therefore, winning the match will help them improve their Test Championship points table. In light of this, both teams will strive to win the series decider to secure the PAK vs AUS Test series 2022.
2 years ago