The way Australia thrashed England and South Africa in recent times and stepped in Bangladesh outplaying New Zealand in a warm-up match definitely gives captain George Bailey an extra boost when they face a wounded Pakistan in their World Twenty20 opener at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.
Four-time ODI World Cup champions, Australia’s amazing batting line-ups and recent form in the shortest format is a massive plus point which can help them end their WT20 trophy drought and it will be interesting to see how they handle the spinners against the three sub-continental sides – Pakistan, India and hosts Bangladesh - in their group.
Meanwhile despite having one of the best T20 side, Pakistan’s batting saw them off to a disastrous start getting just 131 against India in their opening match. However, it should not surprise many, as it is nature of Pakistan, if they appear as a totally different side today. A win today is a necessity for the former WT20 champions to avoid major blow to their title hope.
Australia will be looking forward to their demolishing opening pair – David Warner and Aaron Finch – to give them a fiery start though Pakistan’s bowling unit is combined with three top wicket takers in T20I – Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi.
James Faulkner out with a knee injury will make Bailey miss his service and the all-rounder is likely to be replaced by Daniel Christian.
In their pre-match press conference yesterday Bailey expressed how important a winning momentum is for them in order to reach their ultimate goal.
“I think we have a little more versatility, in terms of what we can do with the ball. I think we have a little more power with the bat. These are the two differences.
“It is nice to start with a win. In a tournament momentum is really important. Starting with a win gets you off and running. You can’t drop too many games, maybe lose one or two. More wins the better,” said the 32-year-old Bailey.
The two sides have not met each other in a T20 since the group stage of the 2012 edition of the tournament in Sri Lanka where the Pakistani spinners played vital role in their victory.
“I think they are playing impressive cricket for long time and I think they came here with extra preparation (to face spin attacks),” said Pakistan head coach Moin Khan yesterday.
“Whoever the opponent is we must have to win this game to keep our hopes alive for the tournament. Aussies have a strong batting line up and we have to fight them to survive,” said the former Pakistan captain Moin.
