ICC World Cup 2019: Pakistan vs Australia, Taunton, Match Preview
Australia are favourites against Pakistan. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

On Wednesday (June 12) compact-looking Australia will face resurgent Pakistan in the much-awaited contest which is scheduled to begin at the County Cricket Ground in Taunton. Following a loss by 36 runs at the hands of World No. 2 ODI team India, Australia are looking to record strong performance against inconsistent Pakistan.

However, Pakistan would be taking pride in beating title favourites England in their second game.

Revenge or not?

Pakistan vs Australia, Match Preview, ICC World Cup 2019,
Australia-Pakistan clash to go down the wire? Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Meanwhile, the marquee clash will witness some drama which thoroughly involves unpredictable team like Pakistan.

With both teams all-set to play their fourth game, they’ve had equally done their homework to focus on loopholes of each other ahead of the all-important game.

Also Read : ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 17): Australia vs Pakistan – Stats Preview

Following a good show in the first two outings which also saw top-order struggling against the Windies, Australians have made a strong return against India but fell short of the target due to a timid approach.

On the other hand, Pakistan has learnt from their forgettable match against the Caribbeans when they were bowled out at 105. They went on to win their second game by 14 runs against England.

Pertinently, the batters had shown some responsibility before bowlers went on to deliver according to the expectations. Overall, it is a good sign for struggling Pakistan.

With Marcus Stoinis facing an injury, Australia would be eyeing to strengthen their side by introducing Shaun Marsh in the line-up.

However, the leg-spinner in the form of Adam Zampa has failed to leave an impact against India. Thus, it somewhat makes a strong case for prominent off-spinner Nathan Lyon to force Aaron Finch to have a look at him.

Also Read : ICC World Cup 2019: Match 17, Australia vs Pakistan – Australia’s Predicted Playing XI

On the other side, Pakistan will be keen to attack Australia while making good use of leg-spinner Shadab Khan.

The Men in Green will be hoping to see Imam-Ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman providing a solid base for the team. However, Babar Azam alongside Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez need to pull up socks against formidable Australian pace attack.

On the other hand, David Warner has been in some form who loves to play his shots. Well, Finch is a bit traditional in nature. But the top-order batsman is equally known for changing the gears.

Usman Khawaja, who’s good against spin will benefit Australia’s cause if things fall well in place for the Kangaroos. Besides, Glenn Maxwell will be feeling the pressure who will be eager to spend some time at the crease as Steven Smith is known for anchoring the innings.

Australia way ahead of Pakistan:

Pakistan vs Australia,
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Overall, Australia has the upper hand over Pakistan. In 103 ODIs, Australia has won 67 matches, whereas, Pakistan managed to seal 32 victories.

In the ODI showpiece, Australia has had won five, whereas, Pakistan went on to win four out of nine matches.

Date and Venue: June 12 (Wednesday), County Ground, Taunton

When to watch:

The game will kick off at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT)

Where to watch, live streaming:

The viewers could access the live telecast on the broadcasting giant Star Sports network in India.

Also, the game will be available through streaming via Hotstar.

ICC World Cup 2019 – Here’s the line-up:

Predicted XI:

Pakistan:

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir

Australia:

David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Alex Carrey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummings, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Pitch Report:

The Somerset’s home Taunton ground has shorter boundaries, which means it’s going to be a high-scoring contest if the weather permits.

With plenty on offer, the pace bowlers could also get some assistance from the pitch given to the overcast conditions on a particular day.

Also Read : ICC World Cup 2019: Australia vs Pakistan – Dream11 Fantasy League Tips, Predicted XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Weather Forecast:

The weather in the United Kingdom (UK) has left teams dejected with the results. Also, the rain has been forecasted for Pakistan vs Australia clash in Taunton.

The temperature will hover around 16-degree Celsius with precipitation of 50 per cent. It’s expected that both teams might lose some overs in this process.

Match Prediction

Australia boasts of a terrific record against Pakistan in the World Cup fixtures. Also, in overall ODIs, Australia are way ahead of Pakistan. Thus, the Australian team is favourite for the much-awaited tie in Taunton.

Tahir Ibn Manzoor is the Editor-In-Chief at Cricket Addictor, who follows cricket like food and he has a great affection for the long-form journalism. He has been associated with the organisation since...