ISLAMABAD: After the spirited display of fast bowling at the MCG, Pakistan are keen to fire on all cylinders to end seven years of winless streak in Australia and to keep the series alive when the two teams go head to head in the second One-Dayer at Adelaide Oval today (Friday).
Led by the pace attack, Pakistan put up a resolute show in the series opener even when there was a low total to defend. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah, and Naseem Shah bowled brilliantly to keep Pakistan in the game that looked like going the visitors’ way at one stage. The only worrying point for Pakistan was their batting display, especially the top-order that did not meet expectations.
“We made mistakes in our batting during the first ODI, which we’ve analyzed thoroughly,” Naseem Shah commented in a media session Thursday. “We came close but didn’t have enough runs to defend. Going into the next match, we aim to learn from those errors. We discussed these flaws as where we went wrong and what our strategy for the next match should be.”
Back in full fitness after a brief scare with cramps, Naseem praised the collective fast bowling efforts, hoping to carry the same intensity into Adelaide. “Our pace attack was outstanding, but now we need an all-round performance, especially improving our batting if we want to outplay Australia.”
Pakistan have lost 26 of the last 27 matches in all formats they played against Australia in Australia. Since 2017 Pakistan have been looking forward to their first win against the hosts. “We need to fire on all cylinders. The whole team is our strength and we are seeking far better performance in all the departments of the game. If we want to beat Australia, we have to be at our best in batting, bowling and fielding.”
On his fitness, Naseem said he was at his best an hour after he broke down at MCG with a cramp. “Cramps are temporary things. It took me less than an hour to recover fully from the cramps. I’m back to my normal fitness and have started bowling with full rhythm in the nets.”
Naseem also shared his anticipation for a balanced pitch at Adelaide Oval, where both batsmen and bowlers can find their footing. “The track usually supports both sides equally, so disciplined bowling will be crucial especially with the shorter boundaries compared to the MCG.”
Australia, meanwhile, will field a nearly full-strength squad, with key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Steven Smith eager to seal the series. However, this will be their last ODI before resting ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against India.
Pakistan, historically struggling on Australian soil, has not won at Adelaide since 1996. A potential line-up adjustment could see the addition of either a specialist spinner or all-rounder Aamer Jamal in place of Mohammad Hasnain, aiming for an extra edge. Australia are also likely to include Josh Hazlewood in place of Sean Abbott.
While light showers are predicted in Adelaide on Friday morning, they’re not expected to disrupt the start time. With both the teams set to bring their A-game, Friday’s showdown promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Pakistan look to break Australia’s dominance at home.
Australia (likely) squad: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Pakistan (likely) squad: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Aamer Jamal/Faisal Akram.
