Pakistan Set for Crucial Showdown at Adelaide Oval After MCG Loss

After falling agonizingly short in a thrilling game one at the MCG, Pakistan now faces a must-win situation as they take on Australia at the picturesque Adelaide Oval on Friday. With the series on the line, Pakistan will need to regroup and devise a new strategy to keep their hopes alive.

In the first ODI, Pakistan's bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, almost pulled off an incredible heist after defending a modest total of 203. The pacers' fiery short-pitched tactics rattled Australia's top order on a fast and bouncy MCG surface, but they ultimately fell short as Australia managed to chase down the target. Now, with the dimensions of Adelaide Oval being much smaller square of the wicket, Pakistan’s bowlers may need to adjust their approach. A more disciplined line and length will be crucial, especially with Australia’s aggressive batting order, which is set to continue its ultra-attacking approach.

Historically, Pakistan has struggled against Australia, winning just twice in the last 14 ODIs between the two sides. They will need a monumental effort to defy their poor record and force a decider in Perth on Sunday.

Australia Look to Wrap Up Series

Australia, although not entirely convincing in game one, will have the chance to seal the series on Friday. With key players Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne set to play their final ODI before the first Test against India, the team will be keen to wrap things up in style.

Starc, in particular, has been in sizzling form, and Cummins was pivotal with both ball and bat in the first ODI. Smith’s knock of 44 was a solid contribution, alleviating concerns over his form, while Labuschagne continues to struggle, scoring just 16 in the opening match before being dismissed by Rauf’s extra bounce.

In the Spotlight: Matt Short and Babar Azam

One player under the microscope is Australian opener Matt Short. With regular opener Travis Head on paternity leave, Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have a chance to stake their claim ahead of the Champions Trophy. Short, who has been in excellent form in the BBL for Adelaide Strikers, could be vital for Australia at his home ground, though he was dismissed cheaply for just one run in the first ODI.

For Pakistan, all eyes will be on captain Babar Azam, who was the standout batter in the first ODI with an elegant 37 off 44 balls. Despite Pakistan’s batting struggles, Babar looked in good touch and will be crucial for Pakistan’s chances. The 29-year-old has fond memories of Adelaide Oval, where he scored a memorable century in an ODI against Australia in January 2017. With his impressive ODI average of 56.52, Babar will be hoping to rediscover his best form to lead his team to victory.

Team News: Hazlewood Returns; Naseem Fit to Play

Australia is expected to make one change to their lineup with Josh Hazlewood returning in place of Sean Abbott. This will be Hazlewood’s sole international appearance before the first Test, having returned to action in a Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales earlier this week. Pakistan, meanwhile, is expected to bring Naseem Shah back into the fold after he was forced to leave the field due to cramps in the first ODI. Pakistan may also consider playing a frontline spinner to adapt to the conditions at Adelaide Oval.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

Adelaide Oval is traditionally a high-scoring ground, but recent conditions have suggested a more challenging surface. A low-scoring Sheffield Shield match earlier this week highlighted the difficulty of batting, though the pitch is generally flatter for white-ball cricket. With shorter square dimensions, rapid scoring is expected, but there is a chance of a morning shower on Friday. However, conditions should improve by the afternoon, and the match is unlikely to be affected by the weather.

Stats and Trivia

• Mitchell Starc is just six wickets away from becoming the fourth Australian to take 250 ODI wickets. He holds the best strike-rate by an Australian bowler in ODIs (minimum 50 wickets).
• Glenn Maxwell needs 66 runs to reach 4000 ODI runs.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (25.99) and Haris Rauf (26.23) sit seventh and eighth respectively in the list for the best bowling strike-rates in ODI history (minimum 1000 balls).
• Pakistan has only won once in eight ODIs at Adelaide Oval, with their sole victory coming by 12 runs in December 1996.

Quotes

"We want to take the game on in the first 10 overs. Instead of scrapping to 240-250, which aren’t winnable scores out here, getting towards the high 300s is more of a winning total," said one of Australia’s players, emphasizing the team's intent to play aggressively.

With the series hanging in the balance, both teams will be keen to make a statement in Adelaide. For Pakistan, a win is essential to keep their hopes alive, while Australia will be looking to complete the job and secure a series victory ahead of the Test series against India.

Australia (possible XI):

1. Matt Short, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Steven Smith, 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Marnus Labuschagne, 6. Glenn Maxwell, 7. Aaron Hardie, 8. Pat Cummins (capt), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan (possible XI):

1. Saim Ayub, 2. Abdullah Shafique, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5. Kamran Ghulam, 6. Salman Ali Agha, 7. Irfan Khan, 8. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9. Naseem Shah, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Mohammad Hasnain

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