World Cup 2023, 18th Match | AUS vs PAK - Cricket Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks
Babar Azam regained a bit of his form and will be an important player in the match (Source: AP Photos)
The ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup finally reaches the Garden City of India, Bangalore as five-time champions Australia collide with the 1992 winners Pakistan. Match No. 18 is all set to take place on Friday, October 20th at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium at 14:00 PM IST. The Aussies are coming off on the back of a victory over the Lankan Lions while the Men in Green suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals India last time out. Before the match goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of the game.
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AUS vs PAK, 18th Match: Venue Analysis
The track has been batting-friendly over the years while chasing is the way to go on this ground. The venue finally gets its taste of the 2023 WC edition.
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium ODI Records
Matches: 26
Matches Won Batting First: 11
Matches Won Batting Second: 12
Tied: 1
No Result: 2
Average First Innings Total: 260
Average Second Innings Total: 238
AUS vs PAK, 18th Match - Toss Factor
The Bangalore stadium will hosts its first game of the ongoing World Cup. The venue has always been full of runs as the batters enjoy their time in the middle on this surface. The track is expected to remain the same for the WC with short boundaries and lightning fast outfield.
Scenario: If Australia Fields First
The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore is known as a chasing venue. The Aussie batting line-up hasn't really fired yet in this tournament so far and if they are in a run-chase, the likes of Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will be crucial against quality bowling line-up of Pakistan. The former is due for a significant score under his belt and this maybe the perfect time to get back amongst the runs.
Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First
If the Asian giants Pakistan are fielding first then speedster Shaheen Afridi could be lethal upfront. The left-arm seamer, who has just four wickets to his name in three outings, will look to provide early breakthroughs. While chasing, skipper Babar Azam will be a crucial pick. The right-hander is averaging 73.50 with three centuries and two fifties against Australia in ODIs.
AUS vs PAK, 18th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices
Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First
Babar Azam (PAK)
Pakistani captain Babar Azam is averaging 54 with seven centuries and 14 half-centuries while chasing in the ODI format. The right-hander has scored 2473 runs in 56 innings as he is the backbone of his side. Babar will play a crucial role if Pakistan are chasing a big target at this high-scoring venue.
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
Mohammad Rizwan is the leading run-getter for his team in the ongoing World Cup so far. The no. four middle-order player has scores of 68, 131* and 49 under his belt. He along with Babar has been a vital vog as the team relies heavily on the duo. Rizwan has an average of 42.08 with two hundred and six fifties while chasing in this format.
Scenario: If Australia Fields First
Steven Smith (AUS)
Australia's most reliable batter Steven Smith hasn't been at his best so far in this WC. Smith, who bats at an important no. three position, is due for a big knock. This could be the perfect time for him to get back to his best that eventually helps his side in winning. He is averaging 44.52 which includes four tons and 12 fifties in run-chases in ODIs.
Marnus Labuschagne (AUS)
Marnus Labuschagne has struck the most runs (113) for the Aussies so far in this WC. He is the only player to have crossed the 70-run mark for his side. Labuschagne and Smith will be the ones to watch out for if the Kangaroos are chasing a huge target on a belter Bangalore track.
AUS vs PAK, 18th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices
Mitchell Marsh (AUS)
The right-handed opening player Mitchell Marsh bagged scores of 0 and 7 in the first two games against India and South Africa respectively. He finally got back to his rhtyhm when he smashed 52 against Sri Lanka in the last match. With Travis Head arriving in India, Marsh's place will be in danger in the coming fixtures. Mitchell is a risky but worthy pick for this tie considering the short boundaries and batting-friendly surface.
Imam-ul-Haq (PAK)
Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq got dismissed on two short balls with scores of 15 and 12 in the first two games. The left-hander looked in good nick against India for his score of 36 off 38. Imam is averaginh 69 with two centuries and two fifties in seven outings against the Aussies in ODIs.
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