PAK vs AUS 2nd ODI: Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

On Friday, Pakistan will cross swords against Australia in the second One-Day International of the ongoing three-match series. The high-octane face-off will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia. 

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan had a heartbreaking start to the series, losing the opening encounter by a narrow two-wicket margin. Batting first, the visitors managed a paltry 203-run total on the board, thanks to valuable contributions from skipper Rizwan, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah. 

Although Haris Rauf kept the Men in Green alive in the contest with a sensational spell, Australian captain Pat Cummins held his nerves and got his side past the finish line with a crucial cameo. 

So, as Pakistan gear up for the do-or-die face-off against the hosts, let's see how the surface at Adelaide Oval will behave throughout the contest. 

Adelaide Oval ODI Ground Stats

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Adelaide Oval Pitch Report: Batters Or Bowlers, Who Will Be More Successful?

The surface at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide might offer a hint of seam movement to the fast bowlers early on with the new ball. However, the bowlers generally don't get spongy bounce here. So, once the batters play out the new ball spell, they can capitalise on the favourable batting conditions to score runs. 

There could be a hint of turn for the spinners as well. However, the short square boundaries and a relatively flatter pitch will keep the batters interested throughout the match. As it's early summer in Australia, don't expect the pitch to deteriorate with time. Therefore, although the stats are in favour of the teams setting the target, the toss-winner might decide otherwise and field first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Adelaide Oval

Steve Smith

The talismanic Australian batter looked solid during his brief stay in the first ODI at MCG. Steve Smith has an impressive record in Adelaide, amassing 207 runs at an average of 51.75 and might play a key role for Australia in this match. 

Babar Azam

The Adelaide track's batting-friendly nature might help Babar Azam overcome his lean patch in international cricket. Babar has been an integral member of Pakistan's ODI team and it won't be surprising if he brings up a significant score in this match. 

Pat Cummins

The Australian captain has enjoyed stellar success at Adelaide Oval, scalping 10 wickets at an average of 17.30. So, Cummins could be a genuine threat to the Pakistani batting unit. 

Matthew Short

The swashbuckling opener has amazing numbers for Adelaide Strikers at this venue. He loves going the aerial route here and if Pakistan don't get him early, he could be a massive headache for them. 

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