Pakistan would face Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, a bilateral series which both sides would certainly take as experiential opportunity ahead of ICC World Cup 2019.
It wouldn’t be that much high-profile or neck-to-neck encounter having employed full force as Pakistan’s second-tiered team would be engaged in the series. Pakistan have rested six of their players including the Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. The experienced Mohammad Hafeez along with Hussain Talat were also left out for injury issues.
Shoaib Malik will lead Pakistan throughout the five-match ODI series.
The first one day international of five-match series between Pakistan and Australia will be played today. PTV Sports will telecast the match live from 4pm. #PAKvAUS@TheRealPCB @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/SI6uK8scyd
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) March 22, 2019
Even Australia are yet to recall Steven Smith and David Warner for international assignments. But surely they would be part of the Australian World Cup Squad.
However Australia have already entered into a phase of resurgence and they have just beaten second-ranked India by 3-2 at their home.
As per analysts, even 5-0 result in favour of Australia can’t not be ruled out. Pakistan, which have won just 32 ODIs against Australia’s 62 in bilateral battles, last beat Australia in an ODI series way back in 2002.
In last 10 years, the two teams met 24 times in ODIs, of which, Pakistan won just 5.
But irrespective of that, Pakistan’s record at United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been impressive. While in Sharjah, wherein first two ODIs will take place, Pakistan have won 83 matches out of 124, they have been involved in against various opponents.
