The Pakistan white-ball squad has arrived in Melbourne to compete in a series of three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia, with preparations already underway. The first ODI will take place on November 4 in Melbourne. This tour presents a significant challenge for Pakistan, as batting on Australian wickets is notoriously difficult.
Currently, Pakistan is facing issues with its opening pair. While Abdullah Shafiq recently scored a century, his overall performance has been inconsistent. The other opener, Saim Ayub, has also struggled to make an impact. Babar Azam remains the only reliable batsman, and expectations will be high for him to deliver.
Australia has assembled a strong squad for the series, led by Pat Cummins. Despite Travis Head being rested, the team boasts considerable experience and skill throughout its lineup. Given Pakistan’s recent struggles, the chances of success in the ODI series appear slim.
Historically, Pakistan has played 56 ODIs on Australian soil, winning 17 and losing 37. While many teams have faced similar challenges in Australia, Pakistan’s record is particularly disappointing, with only two wins in the last 19 years.
The last time Pakistan played an ODI series in Australia was in 2017, where they achieved a memorable victory in Melbourne under Mohammad Hafeez’s captaincy. In that match, bowlers Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, and Imad Wasim excelled, restricting the Australian batting lineup to a low score. However, none of these players are part of the current squad.
In contrast to the ODI series, Pakistan’s prospects for winning the T20 series look more promising. The team includes new talent, such as Haseebullah Khan, who could thrive on Australian wickets. Australia’s T20 lineup features several junior players, which may work to Pakistan’s advantage.
Considering Pakistan’s recent form and player performances, they could very well be favored to win the T20 series. Ultimately, the outcomes in both series will hinge on the players’ performances.
This tour against Australia will serve as a crucial test for Pakistan. While challenges loom in the ODI series, there is hope for a stronger showing in the T20 matches. To achieve success, the team must be fully prepared and aim to deliver its best performance.
