World Cup 2023, Match 18 | Strategic Corner - Clash of Titans in the Crucial World Cup Showdown
Australia will face Pakistan in the 18th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
The 18th match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 promises to be a thrilling encounter as Australia faces Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Friday, October 20. Both teams have shown moments of brilliance and inconsistency in the tournament so far, making this contest all the more intriguing.
Australia, despite starting their campaign with a couple of losses, managed to secure a crucial victory against Sri Lanka in their last match. This win will have boosted their confidence, and they will look to build on the momentum gained from that game. Led by their skipper Pat Cummins, the Australian side will aim to continue their winning ways against Pakistan.
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On the other hand, Pakistan, after a solid start with two victories, faced a setback against arch-rivals India. This loss will have certainly impacted their morale, and they'll be eager to get back on the winning track. Led by the ever-reliable Babar Azam, Pakistan will focus on rectifying their weaknesses and putting up a formidable performance against Australia. The match is shaping up to be critical for both teams, as a win strengthens their chance of advancing to the knockout stages significantly.
In Pursuit of Rizwan: Australia's Blueprint for World Cup Success
Mohammad Rizwan's exceptional form in the ICC World Cup 2023 has made him a standout performer for Pakistan. His ability to anchor the innings and hold the middle order together has been crucial for his team's success. Rizwan's consistency with the bat is evident in the 248 runs he has scored in just three matches, with an impressive average of 124. His performances have made him a genuine threat to the Australian bowling attack. To counter Rizwan's impact, the Australian bowlers need to come up with a well-thought-out plan.
Analyzing his performance against different types of bowlers in the tournament reveals certain insights that can guide Australia's approach. Rizwan has been particularly effective against right-arm medium-paced bowlers, where he has scored 99 runs. However, he does tend to face a significant number of dot balls against this type of bowling, with a dot ball percentage of 36.7 percent. This is an area where Australia can apply pressure by maintaining a disciplined line and length.
On the other hand, Rizwan's record against left-arm medium-paced bowlers is less formidable, with 22 runs and a dot ball percentage of 45.5 percent. Mitchell Starc, being a left-arm fast bowler, could exploit this weakness early on in the innings. Against right-arm fast bowlers, Rizwan has only scored 1 run and has a high dot ball percentage of 80. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins should capitalize on this vulnerability, looking to dismiss him early and disrupt Pakistan's batting rhythm.
Conclusion
For Australia to maintain their winning momentum, a focused strategy against Mohammad Rizwan will be crucial. Identifying and targeting his weaknesses while minimizing his scoring opportunities will be the key to containing this dynamic batter and ensuring success in their clash against Pakistan.
Every match counts in a tournament as renowned as the World Cup, and both teams will be keen to earn a victory that would bring them closer to ultimate glory. The match between these cricketing titans will be an enthralling spectacle for cricket fans, and the outcome will surely have a huge impact on their respective campaigns.
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![[Watch] When Dhoni Lost His Cool On Kohli and Rohit for Fielding Error vs Pakistan](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1697734473339_Untitled design - 2023-10-19T222413.538.jpg "[Watch] When Dhoni Lost His Cool On Kohli and Rohit for Fielding Error vs Pakistan")