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A gripping contest in-store as the only Asian team left in the tournament- Pakistan is set to lock horns with resurgent Australia, in the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

The Men in Green are the only team in the tournament, who are yet to taste defeat. The Aussies too seem to be in great touch and their only defeat came against their arch-rivals England.

Australia after humiliating series losses to West Indies and their first-ever series loss to the Bangladesh side have bounced strongly to once again prove why they are a champion side. 

Babar Azam and Co. have been undefeated in the UAE for 15 matches in a row. Can the Aussies end their streak? Or will the spirited Asian side continue stamping their authority in their fortress?

Match Toss Time:17:30 Local (19:00 IST)

Match Start Time:18:00 Local (19:30 IST)

Match Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai

Head to Head

Matches played: 22, Pakistan: 13, Australia: 9

Weather conditions and pitch

PAK vs AUS weather and pitch

Team News

The Pakistanis have made full use of the conditions and given that they stand to be the only undefeated side in the tournament, there seems no reason to fiddle with the playing Xl. However, the form of Fakhar Zaman may just stand to be a bit of concern, given his potential, he is likely to retain his place. 

The Aussies have not reported any injuries and seem all good going into the D-day. No changes are expected in the playing combination, they are expected to feature the same Xl that played against the Windies. 

Probable Playing Xl

Pakistan (PAK): Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi

Australia (AUS): David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Must- Picks

The Australian opener David Warner is in impeccable form and after scoring a fluent 89* against the Windies, he will be the Jack of the clash. Pakistanis skipper Babar Azam is too expected to be on the runs given his rich form.

Aussie all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and Pakistani WK and opener Mohammad Rizwan are the remaining two must-picks for this all-important battle.

PAK vs AUS fantasy team

PAK vs AUS fantasy team
Cricwizz fantasy team

Captain and VC Picks

David Warner Babar Azam PAK vs AUS
David Warner (C) and Babar Azam (Vc)

Key Stats

# With 347 runs, David Warner stands to be the highest run-getter in this fixture among the active players.

# Mitchell Starc is the highest wicket-taker in this fixture among the active players (13)

# Pakistan have won 9 out of 13 matches batting first. While 4 out of 9 while chasing.

# Australian batsman David Warner and Glenn Maxwell are both 7 sixes away from smashing 100 sixes T20I sixes. Can either of them reach the astonishing milestone?

Prediction

A tight call as both the teams have been in great touch. The teams are filled with match-winners and given their day they could just make a mockery out of the opposition. The toss will play a huge factor as the dew is expected to play a part.

However, given the Pakistanis have been undefeated and the fact that the conditions suit them better, Babar Azam and Co. may just get the better of the Aussies. Watch out for the toss though, the team chasing is expected to hold a great advantage.

Cricwizz predicts Pakistan to win the Semi-final 2 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

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