Pakistan will need a monumental effort to stay alive in the ODI series after falling short in game one at the MCG. Set to face Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, the visitors will have to regroup and strategize for a rare victory on Australian soil.
In the opening ODI, Pakistan’s quicks, including Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, almost defended a modest total of 203, rattling Australia’s top order with fiery spells on a bouncy pitch. However, the challenge is set to change in Adelaide, where the shorter boundaries and flat conditions may require Pakistan to alter their approach. A disciplined line and length will be key to containing Australia’s ultra-aggressive batting lineup, which will look to wrap up the series in this second game.
Australia enters the match with the opportunity to seal the series, despite not being at their best in the first ODI. Mitchell Starc has been in exceptional form early in the season, while captain Pat Cummins was crucial with both bat and ball in Melbourne. Marnus Labuschagne, however, continues to struggle, and Australia will hope he finds form before the Test series against India.
Babar Azam, who scored a patient 37 in the first ODI, will be key for Pakistan. He has fond memories of Adelaide, where he scored a century against Australia in 2017, and will be looking to lead from the front in this must-win game.
Josh Hazlewood is expected to return for Australia in place of Sean Abbott, while Naseem Shah is likely to be fit for Pakistan after being sidelined by cramps in the first ODI. Pakistan may also consider adding a frontline spinner to their XI for the match.
Adelaide Oval is known for its flat pitch, but recent weather suggests it could play slightly differently. While the surface is expected to favor batting, the forecast calls for a brief morning shower, though conditions should improve by the afternoon, ensuring play is unaffected.
Mitchell Starc is six wickets away from becoming the fourth Australian to take 250 ODI wickets. Glenn Maxwell needs 66 runs to reach 4,000 career ODI runs. Pakistan have won only once in eight ODIs at Adelaide Oval, their solitary victory coming in 1996.
With the series on the line, all eyes will be on Friday’s clash as Pakistan look to defy the odds and keep the series alive.
