T20I Tri-Series 2018, Final, Australia vs Pakistan - Preview

Australia was dominant in their first match against Pakistan. However, the number one T20I side was able to return the favour in the second meeting between the two teams in the T20I tri-series 2018.

Thus, both the teams have won one and lost one in the league stage matches while playing against each other.

Consequently, both of them will like to come up with their best performance in the final show of the series on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Australia had relied heavily on the shoulders of their skipper, Aaron Finch. The middle-order has looked vulnerable. However, the Men in Yellow would have been relieved after Glenn Maxwell got some runs under his belt in the last match.

On the other hand, Pakistan will be reliant on their southpaw opener Fakhar Zaman. The Champions Trophy final hero is in great touch. Subsequently, he will like to give a good platform to his team in the all-important final match.

Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali have provided the finishing touches to their side, and they would like to be at the top of their game.

Pakistan bowling battery has done a good job, and they would be cautious of Aaron Finch factor. Shaheen Afridi impressed on his T20I debut, and he is likely to retain his place in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, even if Pakistan losses the final, they will hold on to their numero uno position thanks to their previous match win over Australia.

Australia will know they cannot solely depend on the shoulders of Aaron Finch. Therefore, the other middle-order batsmen will have to join the party if they want to savour success.

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare.

Date and Time: 8th July, 10:00p PM Local Time. (1:30 PM IST)

Pakistan Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hussain Talat, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt/wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi.

Australia Predicted XI: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (wk), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson,  Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Jack Wildermuth, Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake.

Pitch Conditions: The Harare Sports Club is expected to aid the spinners in the final match of the series.

Weather Conditions: There would be clear skies which rules out the rain threat. However, it is going to be another cool day in Zimbabwe.

Results of last five matches:

Pakistan: WWLWW

Australia: WLWWW