This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

Game 18 of the ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between Australia and Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Friday, October 20. Australia will be coming on the back of a win in their previous clash. Taking on Sri Lanka, the Men in Yellow registered their first win of the tournament after back-to-back losses against India and South Africa. 

Talking of their last game against Sri Lanka, the clash began with Sri Lanka coming out to bat first and after the openers’ brilliant showings, the middle order failed to capitalise. Adam Zampa was the highest wicket taker with four wickets to his name, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins struck twice with Glenn Maxwell striking once. 

Australia managed to bundle out Sri Lanka for a total of 209 runs. Aiming to chase down the target, Mitchell Marsh propelled Australia to a good start, scoring 52 runs in 51 deliveries. Furthermore, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis scored 40 and 58 runs, respectively and as Glenn Maxwell added 31 runs on the board, Australia chased down the target, winning their first game of the tournament by five wickets. 

On the other hand, Pakistan will be coming into the clash on the back of a hefty loss against arch-rivals India. Batting first against the hosts, Pakistan got off to a good start as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan built a solid partnership. Babar scored 50 runs, with Rizwan scoring 49. 

However, the middle-order’s collapse saw Pakistan getting bundled out for just 191 runs. Defending the target, Pakistan’s bowling attack fell prey to India’s sensational batting order. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the highest wicket taker with two wickets and with Hasan Ali taking one, Pakistan succumbed to a loss.

As their clash against Australia approaches, it could be interesting to see how the side fare against the Men in Yellow.