Defending Champions Australia will battle Pakistan today for the top spot in their Group A match to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals, but will want to win to build on the momentum for the knock-out phase.
The Australians are the highest rated side of the ICC World Cup 2011, though this team may not be as invincible as its predecessors, they are still good enough to beat any side if they play their usual high intensity game.
Statistically, the Australians are the favourites, as they have remained undefeated in 34 World Cup games. The last game they lost at the mega event was back in 1999 and the team that defeated them was none other than their upcoming opponent Pakistan.
Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is eagerly waiting for this game, as so far in this tournament the Kangaroos have not been tested. They have won their matches quite comfortably and this will be their first big challenge.
Ponting said, “At this stage we're the only undefeated team in the tournament, which is nice for us, but I think we'll get a better feel tomorrow at the end of the game for just where we're at and how well we're placed in this World Cup.”
Pakistan will not give up easily, as they have been scrutinized about their approach to the game. However, Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi promises that they will bring a new strategy and approach to the match. Afridi said, "We've made some plans against them and you will see tomorrow in the game we will do something new.”
The pitch at Colombo assists spin and the bowlers from both teams will play a big part. The conditions are overcast and rain may affect this crucial match.
Team form
The Australian cricket team needs no introduction when it comes to One Day International cricket. They are four time champions and are the number one ranked team in ODI’s. They have won four matches out of the five that they have played in the World Cup, as one was abandoned due to rain.
Pakistan is in good form, as they have lost just one match from the five that they have played in this tournament.
Key Players
Ponting has had a quite tournament, but players of his quality are just an innings away from regaining form. Mitchell Johnson has been the main bowler for the Aussies in this campaign and he will continue to bowl that way. Michael Hussey is the core of the middle-order and is someone who is capable of single handedly carrying the side to victory.
Shahid Afridi is the leading wicket taker of the tournament and he will be hoping to inspire his side once again. Abdur Razzaq has been silent so far, but when he gets going, he can light the roof on fire. Asad Shafiq is a new player in the Pakistan team and someone who will be pumped up to perform well against the Aussies.
Pakistan (possible XI)
1. Mohammad Hafeez, 2. Kamran Akmal (wk), 3. Asad Shafiq, 4. Younis Khan, 5. Misbah-ul-Haq, 6. Umar Akmal, 7. Shahid Afridi (captain), 8. Abdul Razzaq, 9. Umar Gul, 10. Abdur Rehman, 11. Wahab Riaz
Australia (probable XI)
1. Shane Watson, 2. Brad Haddin (wk), 3. Ricky Ponting (captain), 4. Michael Clarke, 5. Cameron White, 6. Michael Hussey, 7. Steven Smith, 8. Mitchell Johnson, 9. Brett Lee, 10. Jason Krejza, 11. Shaun Tait
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