Australia's hunt for second win of the tournament against Pakistan    

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Steve Smith has odds of 3.72 to be the best batsman for Australia.  
• Babar Azam has odds of 3.34 to be Pakistan's best batsman. 
• Mitchell Starc has odds of 3.25 to be Australia's best bowler.  
• Shaheen Afridi has odds of 3.78 to be the best bowler for Pakistan.  

MATCH PREVIEW     

We are all set for a close clash in the 18th game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Five-time champions Australia shall take on Pakistan, as both teams need to win this game. The Australians defeated Sri Lanka in the last game, their first win of the World Cup. It was a much-needed win for the Aussies, who had gone down against India and South Africa. The Pakistanis suffered a heavy defeat against the Indians and now have the odds stacked against them. They face a tough challenge in this contest where key players must stand up and deliver the goods.   

Australia Preview      

It has been an uncharacteristic start for Pat Cummins' side in the tournament. They lost the first two games but found their form in the last one. The 5-wicket win in the previous game against Sri Lanka lifted the camp's confidence. The five-time World Champions shall look to build on this momentum and win this game to improve their position on the points table. Cummins would like a determined show from his batters as they have struggled.

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh haven't been consistent, and the side will expect a good start from the pair in this game. The middle order is strong, and the side expects runs from the trio of Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis, who must do well against the Pakistani spinners. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Pat Cummins add firepower to this batting line-up.  

The Australian bowling attack has done relatively well in the tournament, and the side will need early wickets from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Adam Zampa has found his form and must do well alongside Pat Cummins in the middle overs. Stoinis and Maxwell bring vast bowling experience in these conditions and have a vital role in the game.  

Expected Starting XI for Australia     

Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood 

Pakistan Preview     

Babar Azam and his men made a mess of what should have been a close contest against India. After a good start, they failed to hold their nerves, losing the game by seven wickets. A loss against India hurts, and Azam would like his men to come out of that defeat. They have a poor record against Australia, with just three wins in the last ten years. Azam would like a better show from his players as they look to defy the cricket betting tips that don't give them a chance in this contest.  

The side will need a positive start from Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, as the Australian new ball bowlers will test them. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are the backbone of this line-up, and they must build partnerships in the middle order with Saud Shakeel. The lower middle order failed in the last game, and the captain would expect better performances from Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz.  

On the bowling front, the side needs to improve its show. Shaheen Afridi has yet to deliver his best and must pick early wickets alongside Hasan Ali. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will enjoy the conditions and must keep the run rate under check. Haris Rauf and Iftikhar Ahmed will have to play an important role as the Australians shall come hard at them.  

Expected Starting XI for Pakistan     

Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi 

TOSS: To Bat First      

The venue has favored the side that has batted first. The small size of the ground allows the sides to post big totals and defend them. The side that wins the toss would prefer to bat first and bowl under lights when their bowlers can swing the ball.    

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

Bengaluru will have clear skies, and we expect a flat track where batsmen can play their strokes easily. Bowlers will find the conditions challenging as the wicket doesn't have much for them. The side that bats first shall need more than 325 runs to feel safe on this wicket.  

OUR PREDICTION      

Pakistan saw its weaknesses exposed in the last game. They need contributions from more players to win against Australia. The bowling attack hasn't done well for the team, which is a big challenge for them. Australians would have their tails up after the win against Sri Lanka. According to our ICC World Cup cricket betting guide, they have enjoyed a good record against Pakistan, making them favorites.   

Our Prediction is for Australia to win