Seems like the Pakistan spin potentially could pose a bit of a threat to us: Annabel Sutherland

Defending champions Australia are all set to take on Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup on Friday, October 11, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Australia, riding high on their impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins in T20 World Cups since 2020, is well aware of the potential threat presented by Pakistan's spin attack. Interestingly, Australia has an unbeaten record against Pakistan in T20Is (13-0). The team's all-rounder, Annabel Sutherland opened up about this challenge. 

“Yeah, I mean, I think it's just another opportunity to go out there in a World Cup, new conditions, adapt, and yeah, a new line-up as well. So yeah, we're going to have to plan and think about as an individual how you're going to take on their line-up,” Sutherland said in the pre-match press conference as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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I'm sure the girls will be ready: Annabel Sutherland

Pakistan's spin bowling arsenal is led by Nida Dar, the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20Is. Their lineup includes the recently dethroned World No.1 spinner Sadia Iqbal, along with Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan, and Syeda Aroob Shah. Omaima Sohail's part-time spin option is also a valuable part of the team. Despite the challenge, Australia is confident in its ability to adapt. 

“I think the girls did some great work at training today. It seems like the Pakistan spin potentially could pose a bit of a threat, but it feels like we've had a good opportunity to face a lot of that in the last in the last few weeks, particularly at training so I'm sure the girls will be ready. Not really from our point of view,” Sutherland added.

The Australian team currently sits atop Group A with four points and a net run rate of +2.524, with victories in both their previous matches. Another win against Pakistan would secure their spot in the semi-finals. Sutherland and the team are looking forward to the next challenge and are not looking further ahead.

“Yeah I'm sure the leaders and the coaches are planning as they always do, looking at games they've played and that sort of thing, which is something we do on a consistent basis for teams we're coming up against. But all our focus is on tomorrow's game,” Sutherland concluded.