In an anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 match, Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field first against Australia at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, India.
Pakistan and Australia are under immense pressure to secure a win as the World Cup intensifies. With previous performances in mind, both teams know the critical need to bolster their standing in the tournament. After enjoying a slight edge, Pakistan has emerged victorious in two of their three encounters, whereas the Australian contingent, led by Pat Cummins, has tasted victory only once.
Line-Up Changes
Pakistan has strategized for today’s crucial matchup, ringing in a significant change in their playing XI. The team management gave leg-spinner Shadab Khan a break, bringing in Usama Mir to add a fresh dynamic to the bowling attack. Both teams have fielded strong sides, underscoring this fixture’s importance in the tournament’s broader context.
Playing XI:
- Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
- Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
The stage is set in Bangalore, and as fans around the world tune in, they’re geared up for a contest that promises to be an enthralling chapter in World Cup cricket history.