Australia and Pakistan are both yet to perform to their potential in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. After setting aside Netherlands and pipping Sri Lanka, Pakistan are reeling from a humbling seven-wicket defeat handed by arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad. Australia, even though they convincingly won their last game against Sri Lanka in Lucknow, lost their first two games against India and South Africa, respectively. As a result, five-time champions Australia find themselves in the eighth spot on the 10-team points table, while Pakistan are in a relatively better state at the fourth spot. Both teams will be eager to return to their fighting best when they lock horns at the batting-friendly M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (Scorecard | Full Coverage)
Things did seem to come together nicely for the Aussies against SL, but they are still not where they would like to be. The Pat Cummins-led side have uncharacteristically been below-par with their fielding, which, along with the lack of penetrativeness of their pacers so far, has derailed their plans. Pakistan, on the other hand, have not had sizeable contributions from their middle and lower-middle order, as was exemplified in the dramatic collapse against India - from 155/2 to 191 all out.
But the small boundaries and typically flat pitch at M Chinnaswamy Stadium could give both sides' batters the perfect opportunity to unleash themselves, and regain some of the lost confidence in their respective campaigns so far. As for the bowlers, this will be an even bigger challenge to stem the flow of runs and prevent the incessant big hits.
Let's take a look at three key battles that could define how the Australia vs Pakistan match pans out in Bengaluru:
David Warner Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi
This is a mouthwatering battle if there ever was one. With a wealth of IPL experience behind him, explosive Aussie opener David Warner understands the conditions in Bengaluru well, and will look to go big from ball one. Standing in his way, though, will be Pakistan's strike fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has made a name for himself as one of the most skillful and dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket. Fireworks can be expected when the two face off at the start of the Australia innings and the winner of the battle can earn his side an early advantage.
Marnus Labuschagne Vs Haris Rauf
In the past four years, Marnus Labuschagne has grown to become Australia's most dependable Test and ODI batter alongside former captain Steve Smith. Marnus is a master at building and anchoring an innings, and has the ability to up the tempo when needed. He will get ample opportunity to do the latter in Bengaluru, where the pitch usually offers true bounce. However, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has demonstrated an ability to extract steep bounce from a good length and will look to make the most of that ability to unsettle the 29-year-old Aussie No. 4.
Babar Azam Vs Adam Zampa
These are the two most relied-upon players of their respective teams currently. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been their batting lynchpin for quite a while, and has the unenviable task of holding the innings together almost invariably. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, on the other hand is not always the go-to option for Australia, but becomes one in the sub-continental conditions. Zampa can get the ball to grip and bounce at a higher-than-average speed for a spinner, which fetches him wickets at key intervals. He bagged a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the previous game, and would try to mix it up against the composed and talented Babar.
