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Australia vs Pakistan at Bengaluru - Match 18 Preview

October 19, 2023: Javed Miandad vs Dennis Lillee, Wahab Riaz vs Shane Watson, Mike Hussey vs Saeed Ajmal - Top memories which come to the mind when anyone thinks about Australia vs Pakistan. What's in store for us on a blockbuster Friday when these two teams lock horns again in the World Cup 2023? Australia, with a slow start to the World Cup, cannot allow one more slip-up, while Pakistan will be raging to get their WC campaign back on track after a devastating loss against arch-rivals India!

Australia is coming into this game with a near-perfect victory against Srilanka, despite one point in time when their much-hyped pace attack looked toothless against the SL openers. Zampa getting back to form is a definite boost, although the small Chinnaswamy ground might test his skills, however, his franchise (RCB) experience should prove him good. Smith might not have had a great start to the World Cup, but, his calibre, combined with Warner's attacking instinct, Labuschagne's flamboyance, and fearless Maxwell and Stoinis at the death, might be too hot to handle for the Pakistan bowling attack. Australia may not rush Head back straight into the XI, but with Marsh's inconsistent form, they may spring a surprise.

15,16,41 have been the opening partnerships for Pakistan, which definitely will be a concern, despite the team opening their campaign against slightly weaker opponents, Netherlands and Srilanka. They have had a week to retrospect their loss against India and expect them to come back with a much-improved batting performance, especially from their captain, who looked in great touch against India. Shadab Khan has been a pale shadow of himself, and the cricketing greats back home want Shadab to be replaced with Usama Mir, but such is the class of Shadab, that he may be given a longer rope.

Pitch and Conditions: Bengaluru traditionally has been a high-scoring ground, wherein teams prefer to chase any kind of totals and doubt if this template will be broken. Smaller boundaries, terrific batters on both sides, expect a run fest!

Key Battles:

Zampa vs Pakistan middle order
Maxwell's pyrotechnics vs Pak spin

- Karthik, Team Pure Cricket

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Pics: Internet