Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd T20I, Preview: Aaron Finch's men desperately in search for momentum

Australia’s campaign against Pakistan started with a resounding show in the first Test in Dubai, but they haven’t been able to display the same grit and resilience as they lost the second Test and then the opening T20I by 66 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. In the encounter, they dominated during the second half of the Pakistan innings.

Apart from that, the Men in Green dictated terms thoroughly and didn’t give their opponents much of an opportunity to make a comeback. The Australian top and middle order were demolished by the hosts’ opening bowlers. The next encounter is scheduled to be played in Dubai and the visiting team would be hoping for their fortunes to take a turn.

On the contrary, Sarfraz Ahmed’s men came into the series as the top-ranked T20I side and they didn’t do their reputation any harm by any means, especially from the kind of cricket they put on show in the first match. They would dearly want to maintain their dominance over their rivals and seal the fate of the three-match series with one match remaining.

Team Combinations

Pakistan

The team won’t be tinkered with after their performance last night. There is no news on Shoaib Malik’s availability and in that scenario, Hussain Talat is likely to hold his position. Zaman and Babar Azam need to give their teams another impressive start. The likes of Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, and the other bowlers have to replicate their performances as well.

Probable XI

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Shoaib Malik/Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi

Australia

Australia may rope in Mitchell Marsh in place of Ben McDermott. The batting lineup is a power-packed one and they would need to shed the disappointment of last night and take Pakistan’s bowling by the scruff of their necks. Courter Nile, Tye, and Stanlake will shoulder the fast bowling department. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar are the spinners.

Probable XI

Aaron Finch (c), D’Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott/Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye, Billy Stanlake.

Focus will be on

Babar Azam- Pakistan

The right-hander was one of the primary reasons why Pakistan managed to get themselves up to a competitive score on the board. The middle and lower-middle order flattered to deceive. With a calm and composed head on his shoulders, it won’t spring a surprise if the home team again look up to the opener for a steady start.

Chris Lynn- Australia

The Queenslander started with a couple of boundaries and promised to put his hand up for Australia, but was cleaned up by Faheem Ashraf for 14 runs. He had a good run in the domestic circuit and his team would want him to put his best foot forward in the next couple of matches in the T20I series.

Head to Head

Overall

Played- 18, Pakistan- 10, Australia-7, Tied- 1

In the UAE

Played- 6, Pakistan- 3, Australia-2, Tied- 1

Stat Attack

464–  Runs Aaron Finch scored in 9 T20I innings in 2018 at an average 92.8 before touring UAE. He scored 1 and 0 in the two T20Is he played on this tour so far.

216– Babar Azam’s average in his last three innings in T20I format, his scores being 68* 51 97*

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six

Live Streaming – SonyLiv

Match Timings: 21:30 IST | 20:00 local

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