PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I: Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

Sydney Cricket Ground [Source: @ICC/X]Sydney Cricket Ground [Source: @ICC/X]

On Saturday, Pakistan will cross swords against Australia in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan had a poor start to the T20I leg, as Australia handed them a 29-run defeat in the rain-marred encounter in Brisbane. 

Batting first, Australia posted an imposing 93-run total in seven overs, courtesy of the fireworks from Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. In response, Pakistan fell like a pack of cards, finishing their innings on 64 for nine in seven overs. Abbas Afridi was the lone shining light for the visitors, scalping two wickets and scoring 20 runs with the bat. 

So, moving on to the must-win game in Sydney, Pakistan would be desperate to resolve their grey areas and restore parity in the series. Before the game begins, let's find out how the surface at Sydney Cricket Ground will behave throughout the contest. 

Sydney Cricket Ground Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches played
18
Matches won batting first10
Matches won bowling first7
Average 1st innings score in last 5 matches165
Average 2nd innings score in last 5 matches126
Average runs per over8.19


Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report: Is it batting or bowling-friendly?

The surface at Sydney Cricket Ground generally offers subcontinent-like conditions and gives a home-like feeling to the Asian cricketers. It's the only ground in Australia where the batters and spinners from the subcontinent enjoy playing. So, the Pakistani players might thrive at this venue after failing miserably in pace-friendly Brisbane. 

The track in Sydney offers lesser pace and bounce than the surfaces in Perth and Brisbane. There might be a hint of lateral movement for the new ball bowlers, but the batters will enjoy the pitch's even bounce once they get set in the middle. 

As the ball gets older, run-scoring might get slightly trickier, with the spinners getting decent turn in the middle overs. The fast bowlers must bowl into the pitch and employ their variations and cutters to trouble the batters. 

The conditions generally get tougher for batting in Sydney as the game progresses. There's a reason why the teams setting the total have been more successful than the chasing sides at this venue. 

So, unless a green turf is dished out, which is highly unlikely, expect the toss-winning side to bat first. However, if overcast conditions prevail at the venue, the toss-winner might decide otherwise. 

Players To Watch Out For At Sydney Cricket Ground

Adam Zampa

  • The pitch at the SCG will likely offer a hint of turn to the spinners. In such a scenario, Adam Zampa, who has 17 wickets at an economy of 6.89 at this venue, could play a key role for Australia. 

Abbas Afridi

  • The right-arm pacer is known for his wily bowling variations and SCG is a ground that suits his bowling style. Abbas' ability to bowl into the pitch and use cutters might make him a crucial player for Pakistan. 

Glenn Maxwell

  • Australia's experienced all-rounder Glenn Maxwell enjoyed stellar success in the first T20I, amassing a quick-fire 43-run knock. Considering his recent form and all-round abilities, we expect him to shine in this match. 

Apart from these three players, keep your eyes on Marcus Stoinis, Mohammad Rizwan and Nathan Ellis.