Karachi:Pakistan has more than just the Tri-Nation T-20 series title to fight for as Australia, if they go undefeated in the series, could snatch the top spot in the rankings from Pakistan. The tri-nation T20I series is starting in Zimbabwe today (Sunday).
Pakistan’s strength is in their bowling attack, which will be led by their star paceman, Mohammad Amir, and leg-spinner Shadab Khan, the No.2 bowler in the format. But their batting is strong as well, with the likes of Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Tala at the top, and the experience of captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik in the middle.
However, they will miss Babar Azam, the No.1 batsman in the format, as he recovers from injury.
Australia are confident in the format, but touring Zimbabwe after almost four years, they will have to regroup after a difficult tour of England.
Since the ball-tampering incident in South Africa, Australia, under new coach Justin Langer, have not won a single match across formats. With Steve Smith and David Warner serving their 12-month bans, and mainstay fast-bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins recovering from injuries, Australia were thrashed by England 5-0 in the one-day internationals and lost the one-off T20I as well.
They were thrice bowled out for below 250 in the ODIs. Against Pakistan’s power-packed bowling attack, the onus will be on their batsmen.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, the host country, has a mountain to climb. They are without some of their most experienced players, but coming in is Elton Chigumbura, their former captain, who last represented his country in 2016.
They also have the experience of Hamilton Masakadza, Kyle Jarvis and Chamu Chibhabha, and big-hitters like Cephas Zhuwao, Tarisai Musakanda, Brian Chari and Blessing Muzarabani. Overseeing the side will be new coach Lalchand Rajput, and they’ll want to give the home fans something to cheer about.
A few months ago, the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2018 in Zimbabwe threw up interesting results and fantastic matches. Spectators will be hoping for more of the same in the week leading up to the finals on July 8.