Pakistan seems primed to win their second title but it will take a special effort to upstage a tenacious Australia, which is peaking at the right time, in the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup here on Thursday. Pakistan have turned it around following their first-round exit in 2016. The Babar Azam-led side has defied the odds to become the team to beat this edition. The 2009 champion is the only team that remains undefeated in the ongoing major event.
Playing XI
Pakistan Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi
Australia David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
INJURY UPDATES
In a major relief for Pakistan, opener Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order batter Shoaib Malik have been declared fit by the medical team to take part in the Men's T20 World Cup semi-final game against Australia, here on Thursday. Both Rizwan and Malik were down with mild flu and fever and had stayed away from training on the eve of the game. However, they have tested negative for Covid-19 twice in three days.
Ahead of the do-or-die virtual clash, let's know which players can make a difference in the team of Dream XI:
Dream11 line-up Mohammad Rizwan, David Warner, Babar Azam, Aaron Finch, Shoaib Malik, Mitchell Marsh, Mohammad Hafeez, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Wicket-keeper (Mohammad Rizwan)
Mohammad Rizwan is our sole wicket-keeper selection for the game given he is been among the top Pakistani run-getters for the tournament. If Rizwan misses out, then Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to replace him in the line-up. Matthew Wade is another choice in the XI but bats lower down the order and is unlikely to play a major role in the game.
Batter (David Warner, Babar Azam, Aaron Finch, Shoaib Malik)
David Warner's form requires no introduction as he slammed a tournament-saving 89* in the last game. The same goes for Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik, who scored heavily in their last matches as well. Aaron Finch, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer at the top but is yet to play a big knock. If Shoaib Malik doesn't play, Steve Smith could be a valid selection option but the batter hasn't got the opportunity to bat in the last two games. Saying that, he did show fine form with the bat before that.
All-rounder (Mitchell Marsh, Mohammad Hafeez)
Mohammad Hafeez hasn't delivered the goods with the ball yet but has been consistently scoring 30-odd runs over the last few matches while Mitchell Marsh has fired runs in the slog overs while picking wickets as well.
Bowler (Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf)
Josh Hazlewood has been economical in the Powerplays; not to forget he is the highest wicket-taker for Aussies as well this tournament. He is followed by Adam Zampa, who felt at home on the degrading UAE surfaces. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, on the other hand, have been hunting wickets in pairs for Pakistan.
WEATHER REPORT
It will remain sunny throughout the day with temperatures hovering between 27-36 degree celsius. Strong winds are expected -- particularly during the afternoon with speeds likely to go past 23 km/s.
LIVE STREAMING
You can watch the T20 World Cup 2021 Semifinal 2 game Pakistan vs Australia Live Online on Hotstar and TV Telecast on Star Sports Network.
