Defending champions Australia are set for a very important game against Pakistan. Both the sides are set to meet on Wednesday at Taunton. Australia are coming off a defeat against India, while Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka was washed out.
The weather is playing big part in the world cup this summer. There are three games that are already washed out in the mega event. On the other hand, couple of games had faced the wrath of rain but was played out with reduced overs.
Australian skipper Aaron Finch reckons that weather will play a huge part for a few days. He is hopeful that his team could get some early wins so they will not have to worry about being in top 4.
“I think it (weather) might play a huge part in the next few days,” Finch told reporters on Tuesday.
“Next week it starts fine and looks good across the country for the remainder of the tournament. So it’s important that you get early wins on the board because you don’t want to be on the wrong end of a couple of washouts that might leave you just outside that top four.”
The champions are going to play against Pakistan on Wednesday. They had a memorable 5-0 win against Pakistan earlier this year. However, Aaron Finch was quick to insist that Pakistan are a very dangerous team.
“I think Pakistan are obviously a very dangerous side,” Finch said.
“We’ve seen consistently throughout, especially ICC tournaments, that they win a lot of games and they get themselves in a position to win the tournament. They had a great Champions Trophy. So regardless of what kind of form Pakistan go in with, they’re always incredibly dangerous.”
Pakistan had won only one game in their last 14 matches against Australia in ODIs.
But Pakistan are no pushovers. However, Australia start as overwhelming favorites in the match against Pakistan. But Finch reckons that Pakistan got some great world class players. He feels Babar Azam holds the key for Pakistan batting.
On the other hand, Finch was quick to reveal that Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shahdab Khan and Hasan Ali are definitely the ones to look out for.
“They’ve got some world-class players. Obviously Babar (Azam) is in great touch batting at No. 3 and holding their batting together,” Finn said.
“(Mohammad) Amir coming back and he looks to be back to his best. He’s swinging the ball again. Wahab (Riaz) has been fast and aggressive. Shadab (Khan) is a great bowler.
“Hasan (Ali) had a great Champions Trophy as well,” said Finch.
Australia will look to win against Pakistan and back in winning ways after the defeat to India. On the other hand, Pakistan are hoping to create another inspiring display and win against Australia. All in all, the game promises to be an exciting contest on Wednesday.