Australia and Pakistan set off on their five match ODI series journey on Friday when they meet in the first game of the two which will be played in Sharjah. There is a bigger picture throughout proceedings but both will still want to make a good start here.
They will each have the World Cup in their minds as we go along in this series but for now the focus will be on winning this first match and seizing the early initiative in a series which could have a psychological effect on what lies ahead.
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Australia
You would think Australia will be full of confidence heading into this series after the way they turned things around against India recently. Conditions here will be similar to the ones they experienced in those matches but not exactly the same so it will be interesting to see if they can make the adjustment straight away.
You would think that Australia’s bowling attack will enjoy these conditions more than they did in India recently. There is often something in the wickets for the bowlers and the grounds here are massive which means that the odd bad ball doesn’t necessarily get splattered out of the park, allowing them the freedom to use their variety a little more.
Pakistan
Although it has been a while since Pakistan last played in an ODI, the majority of their squad was involved in the Pakistan Super League which concluded recently, so they should be up to speed with the white ball. The nuances of this format are different but the change isn’t as bad as if they had been playing red ball cricket for example.
I always say it when Pakistan are involved but it is true, they have to make sure they bat well to give themselves a chance. If they manage to do that then it doesn’t really matter who they have in their bowling attack, they will be good enough to compete in matches at the very least, and more often than not to win them.
Team News
Australia are expected to be without Glenn Maxwell for this match as he has come down with illness. Nathan Lyon is expected to be included as a second spinner with Ashton Turner having to wait his chance once again.
There is no Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed or Babar Azam for Pakistan in this series which means that Shoaib Malik will skipper the side and the likes of Shan Masood and the recalled Umar Akmal will get the chance to prove their worth.
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Betting
The runs line for this match is 500.5 but I can’t help but feel that Australia’s recent series in India is influencing that because the recent trend on this ground is for low scoring encounters, especially in the second innings and everything I read about the pitch seems to suggest that this is will another of those occasions.
The pitch is said to be very dry so change of pace and spin is going to be the order of the day on it so hitting boundaries is going to be tricky. That sort of wicket doesn’t really suit Australia while Pakistan are without arguably their three best batsmen for this series so they are no guarantees to go well with the willow, not that they ever are. This runs line feels a little high to me and I’m happy to camp on the under in this one.
Tips
Back Under 500.5 runs for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Betway
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