Following the complete domination against Sri Lanka, hosts Australia will take on Babar Azam-led Pakistan in three-match T20I series. Under a new captain, Pakistan have their task cut out. Despite their dominating performances over past couple of years, Men in Green suffered a slump in form and were white-washed by a second-string Sri Lankan team which saw selectors drop their captain. They also have many new faces in the squad while Mohammad Irfan also made his comeback and will lead the pace attack.
Australia will look to continue their form and also test their ‘untested’ middle-order. Ashton Turner did score 22* off 15 in the 3rd T20I but the middle-order needs to be tested more before the World Cup.
David Warner, who scored 217 runs against Sri Lanka without getting out even once, will hold the key to Australia’s success. In bowling, the home team will look to give chances to Sean Abbott and Billy Stanlake – who played the second T20I.
Conditions –
The conditions aren’t known much as this will be the first match of the season in Sydney but due to gloomy weather, both the teams would want to field first and get a target for themselves.
Injury update and availability –
All the players are available for selection. It is likely that Mohammad Irfan will walk into the playing XI to lead the pace attack. Pakistan are likely to use the same players who played in the practice match.
The match will start at 9:0 AM IST.
Here is the likely playing XI of both the teams –
Australia – David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Mithcell Starc, Pat Cummins, Billy Stanlake
Pakistan – Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Hasnain
My Dream11 team for AUS vs PAK 1st T20I –