DUBAI: Pakistan will face Australia in the fourth ODI at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as it has been one-way traffic in the one-day international series between Pakistan and Australia so far, with Aaron Finch and his team rallying to an unassailable lead of 3-0 quite comfortably.
Very few things have gone Pakistan’s way so far in the series. While skipper Shoaib Malik has repeatedly said that they are using it just to test their bench strength, the lack of contest in all three games is a cause of concern.
The bowling attack has been chopped and changed, but Pakistan have still been unable to restrain the resurgent Australian batsmen, particularly Finch, who has recorded two centuries and a 90 in the series so far.
Mohammad Amir’s lack of returns led to him getting axed in the third ODI, while Yasir Shah, usually their trump card in these conditions, has been rendered ineffective. The experienced Junaid Khan, who was brought back into the XI in the third game, will be expected to spearhead the pace attack.
The story isn’t too bright on the batting front as well: Pakistan were unable to set a 300-plus target in the first two ODIs, and crumbled for 186 all-out while chasing in the third. A lot will depend on the experienced Malik, who has scored 11, 60 and 32 so far. Much will also be expected from Umar Akmal, who has gotten starts but hasn’t been able to convert them into big scores.
Shoaib Malik will shoulder a bulk of responsibility Shoaib Malik will shoulder a bulk of responsibility
Australia, meanwhile, have hit form right before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. They were victorious in just three ODIs since January 2018, but have now won six on the trot. The wheels that had fallen off have now been fixed, and the ride looks smooth again.
Finch has been in splendid form, and on Wednesday, fell just 10 runs short of becoming the first Australian to register three consecutive ODI centuries. Usman Khawaja, his opening partner, fell for a duck in the third ODI, but had crossed 85 four times in five innings before that. Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell also contributed in the middle order.
Meanwhile, Adam Zampa and Nathan Coulter-Nile have reaped rewards from the dry surfaces in UAE, and are the leading wicket-takers in the series. Pat Cummins, who came in for the third ODI, also hit the ground running with a three-wicket haul.
Squads
Pakistan: Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik (c), Imad Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Amir, Saad Ali, Abid Ali
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ashton Turner, Kane Richardson
