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Aussies wary of Cup specials Pakistan

3 minute read

Pakistan have a winning rate of 58 per cent in global tournaments over the past decade, compared with just 43 per cent in other match formats.

SHOAIB MALIK
SHOAIB MALIK Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

Australia are wary of a Pakistan team known for rising to the occasion in World Cups ahead of Wednesday's clash in Taunton.

The Aussies beat Pakistan 5-0 in the UAE just three months ago, but they know the 1992 World Cup winners are a far different prospect in global tournaments.

Despite struggling on a bilateral level, Pakistan reached the semifinals of the 2011 World Cup on the sub-continent and the quarterfinals four years ago in Australia.

They also won the Champions Trophy two years ago in England, an event generally seen as a mini World Cup in similar conditions to this year's.

The difference is so stark that they have a winning record of 58 per cent in global ODI tournaments in the past decade, compared with 43 per cent in other match formats.

"We've seen consistently throughout, especially ICC tournaments, that they win a lot of games and they get themselves in a position to win the tournament," Australia's captain Aaron Finch said.

"And they had a great Champions Trophy.

"They've got some world-class players. Obviously Babar (Azam) is in great touch batting at No.3, and holding their batting together.

"So regardless of what kind of form Pakistan go in with, they're always incredibly dangerous.

Finch was one player who had particular joy against Pakistan earlier this year, hitting 451 runs at 112.75 in the five wins.

But only three players remain in the Pakistan side from that series compared to the XI that shocked England last week.

"It's going to be a totally different attack. I'm also well aware of that," Finch said.

"(They had) Amir for the first game. He didn't play the other four.

"There was no Shadab, no Hassan Ali or Wahab. So it's a totally different attack but it still gives you a lot of confidence going into a game."

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