The T20I series begins in Brisbane on Thursday as the Aussies will be looking to bounce back from an embarrassing ODI series defeat. Will Pakistan’s pace attack continue to dominate? Or will Australia find some form?
Gabba, Thursday 14th November, 7:00pm AEDT
Australia is coming off the back of a challenging ODI series where they suffered their first series loss at home to Pakistan since 2002. Their squad includes some fresh faces, with Josh Inglis assumed to lead them following the absence of notable players like Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins, who have been rested with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India on the horizon. Key additions like Tim David, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett bring both skills and experience to the packed schedule.
The Australian squad features: Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. This blend of youth and experience is expected to revitalize their performance as they shift their focus to T20Is.
With the morale somewhat shaken after the ODI performance, players like Inglis remain hopeful of utilizing the more aggressive nature of T20 cricket to counter their recent woes. Australia has been quite successful lately, winning four out of their last five T20 Internationals, including three successive wins over Scotland. They also managed to draw the series against England 1-1. This shows they still hold strong competitive prowess, even after the setbacks.
On the other side, Pakistan is riding high after their success against Australia, buoyed by their recent ODI victories. Their roster is filled with names well-known for their ability to score and bowl effectively, including stalwarts like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The Pakistan team includes Mohammad Rizwan, Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt.
Despite the recent ODI triumph, Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign left much to be desired, as they failed to emerge from the group stage following unexpected losses, including one to the USA. Nevertheless, this match offers them the perfect chance for retribution. The aggressive bowling trio comprising Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf is expected to be instrumental, as they often exploit the bounce offered by the Gabba’s pitch.
So, what can we expect from Thursday night? First off, the key players from Australia are expected to shine. Captain Josh Inglis, who has had great form, will aim to lead from the front. Alongside him, Glenn Maxwell's power-hitting will be key, backed by the skills of Adam Zampa who has proven himself with his consistent wicket-taking ability.
Moving to Pakistan, keep your eyes on Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam at the opening. Their combined experience at the crease could make or break their innings. Meanwhile, Afridi and Rauf's early breakthroughs may provide the momentum Pakistan needs to capitalize on any mistake made by the Australian batting order.
When it’s all said and done, this T20 series presents opportunities for both teams to re-establish their dominance post-reporting and set the scene for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Australia at $1.60 to win, the odds signal anticipation of their recovery after the recent setbacks.
Match Prediction
The young Australian group from their 3rd ODI will likely adapt well to the T20 format, where aggressive cricket tends to pay off more handsomely. Also returning to the squad, Tim David brings power and experience, which Australia missed during the ODI series.
A strong expectation is on Bartlett to form effective pace combinations with Johnson and Ellis, setting the stage for positive outcomes.
Key Players to Watch
Australia’s Top Picks
Adam Zampa, proving consistently effective with 15 wickets at 5.71 economy rate over his recent matches.Josh Inglis, currently leading with 212 runs from his last seven outings at 42.4 average; contributing significantly will be key.Glenn Maxwell, known for his explosive batting and experience.Pakistan’s Top Choices
Mohammad Rizwan, averaging 61.83 across his last ten games, plays the anchor role.Shaheen Shah Afridi, with 22 wickets under his belt, provides the pinpoint targeting needed.Babar Azam, with his composed batting style, sets the steady pace expected.Team News
Australia's injury updates revealed the absence of key players like Marsh and Cummins alongside absentee player Cooper Connolly due to injury. Meanwhile, pace bowlers Bartlett, Johnson, and Ellis return after recovering from injuries, boosting Australia’s potential strategy.
Pakistan's lineup sees Shadab Khan omitted and Sufiyan Muqeem coming through to add to their spin options. New faces like the uncapped Jahandad Khan are expected to deepen their pace selections.
Probable Playing XI
Australia: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (captain, wicketkeeper), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson.
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Babar Azam, Omair Yousuf, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Haseebullah Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Thursday night promises fireworks at the Gabba as these two dynamic teams strive for victory, steering them clear of their respective ODI downfalls. The stage is set for what could be the beginning of a breathtaking T20 series. Stay tuned for action!
