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The 18th match of the 2023 World Cup could well be a mouth-watering clash between Australia and Pakistan as they face off on the batting-friendly surface of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. This match will be played on Friday, October 20.
Our top Australia vs Pakistan predictions
Contents
Australia start off 4/7 (1.57) favourites in this encounter but it could become a lot closer than that with Pakistan’s strong bowling attack expected to make things a lot tougher for their opposition. Pakistan are 8/5 (2.6) to surprise their opponents here.
First Prediction: First innings 100 – Yes: 1/1 (2.0)
This is the kind of surface where batting should not be too difficult and a big score can be expected from either side. A century in the first innings, therefore, isn’t too far off the radar.
Second Prediction: Top Pakistan bowler – Shaheen Shah Afridi: 11/4 (3.75)
Shaheen Shah Afridi hasn’t been in the best of form but what could work in his favour is the kind of surface on offer. This won’t be making life easy for any of the bowlers but Afridi, with his ability to swing the ball, could earn a couple of cheap wickets.
AUS vs PAK – Have Australia smelled blood?
This is quite a one-sided match-up overall but in World Cup cricket, there has always been an edge between these two teams. Besides, Australia haven’t looked as sharp as they usually do here and are playing in conditions that are more suited to the Pakistani side.
“There has to be some accountability.”
David Warner has proposed a reform to the game after his marginal LBW dismissal in Australia’s World Cup game against Sri Lanka.
Thoughts?#CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/PhiGz8IvWv
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 18, 2023
Australia
Australia fell to stunning defeats in their first two matches, losing to India and South Africa, which them with no option but to win at least six of their remaining seven.
They started that run well with a crushing win against Sri Lanka but can they maintain that kind of a momentum against a side with a way better bowling attack?
Pakistan
Pakistan, in contrast, started off the tournament with wins over Netherlands and Sri Lanka in what were sound performances. But the manner in which they capitulated against India, getting bowled out for a sub-200 score, they will need to go back to the drawing board here.
Australia vs Pakistan h2h score
Overall, it’s 69-34 in favour of Australia against Pakistan in ODI cricket. Pakistan have won their last two ODIs but over the last 12 matches, it’s 10-2 in favour of Australia.
The two have met just once in India and that came in the 1989 Nehru Cup where Pakistan had won easily.
Pitch report and weather conditions
The Bangalore pitch is known to be the most batting-friendly surface in IPL cricket. The last ODI played here came way back in 2020 where India had chased down Australia’s 287 in 47.3 overs.
Conditions in Bangalore are typically slightly cooler than elsewhere but with humidity levels expected to remain in the 40-50% range, it won’t get too easy.
Key match details for AUS vs PAK
- Date & Time: 8.30 am GMT, Friday, October 20
- Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Where to watch: UK viewers can watch this encounter with Sky Sports while in India, this match will be live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. In Australia, fans can watch this game with FOX Cricket and Foxtelgo while Pakistani viewers with PTV Sports and ptvflix.
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