Australia vs Pakistan
Australia vs Pakistan, The first ODI match between Australia and Pakistan will take place on 4 November 2024 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The much-anticipated game is a buildup to an interesting three-match series in which both teams aim to highlight their positives. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, aims to make the most of its tactical superiority. For their part, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, Australia looks to take full advantage of home conditions. The cricket world is waiting breathlessly for this battle between the titans of two superpowers.
Match Details
Date: 4th Nov 2024
Timing: 2:30 PM local, 9 AM IST
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Stream: Disney+ Hotstar
Pitch and weather
The Melbourne pitch will be a perfect, even balance between batter and bowler. The pacers will see some movement in the initial stages of the game, and the spinners will come into play in the later stages of the game. The weather prediction is bright and sunny with a high of 22°C-the perfect cricketing weather.
Team Preview
Australia: Australia comes with a rich load with Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood in its squad. Pat Cummins is returning as captain after missing the England series, leading a team that also boasts Glenn Maxwell and a fearsome pace attack.
Pakistan: The hosts will rely on their skipper Mohammad Rizwan, and key players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to return to action. Pakistan will be a very competitive outfit with young Aamir Jamal complementing seasoned bowlers like Haris Rauf.
Key Players
Mohammad Rizwan: Made 1,023 runs in 2023 with an average of 63.93.
Shaheen Afridi: 42 wickets in 21 games, average of 24.04 in 2023.
Adam Zampa: 8 wickets in the last 4 games of 2024.
Mitchell Starc: 5 wickets in the last 4 games of 2024.
Probable Playing XI
Australia: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins (c)
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Aamir Jamal, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf/Mohammad Hasnain
This first ODI is going to be an exciting encounter where both teams look to get the early edge in the series.
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