We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Neither Pakistan nor Ireland could manage over 100 runs in the first innings at the Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland. On the other hand, Australia reduced the Irish bowlers to pulp and posted 182 for 4. The contrasting performances suggest that the wicket has helped the batters and bowlers alike if maintained discipline in both areas.
Teams
Probable XI for Pakistan: Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Bismah Maroof (c), Nida Dar, Kainat Imtiaz, Ayesha Naseem, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Diana Baig, Anam Amin
Probable XI for Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Tahlia McGrath, Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
Power Players
With 113 runs at a strike rate of 138, Meg Lanning is the highest run-scorer of the series. Despite the Irish wickets producing help for the bowlers, she hasn’t been troubled yet. Against Pakistan, she averages 38 in 10 matches.
Tahlia McGrath has batted only four times in 8 T20Is and her scores read 42*, 44*, 91*, and 70 – all this at a strike of 156. Pakistan will have to punch well above their weight to get the better of Australia’s Nos. 3 and 4.
However, before these two take the crease, Beth Mooney sets the stage on fire. In her last 6 T20Is, she has scored two fifties, one forty, and one thirty.
Alana King’s leg-spinners have not been easy to deal with. Her bowling figures read 3 for 8, 3 for 9, and 2 for 11, making her the highest wicket-taker. Since the My11Circle Women’s T20 Challenge, she has managed 11 wickets in 5 games.
Smart Picks
Nida Dar, by far, has been Pakistan’s best performer. In Pakistan’s only victory in the tournament, she smashed 26* off 15 and took 1 for 17 in 3 overs.
In the same game, Muneeba Ali top-scored with 29 off 24 including four boundaries. For Pakistan to upset the World Champions, Muneeba will have to create an encore.
Tuba Hassan bowled brilliantly against Ireland, giving away a mere 10 runs and taking a wicket in 3 overs. She is yet to go wicketless in the format: 3 for 8, 1 for 13, 1 for 23, and 1 for 10.
In her last 5 white-ball matches, Fatima Sana has taken 10 wickets. With the bat, she can be a tough customer to handle. In the Women’s Invitational League earlier this year, she had the highest scores of 34 and 21.
Match Preview
The previous game between Australia and Pakistan was washed out due to rain. Since then,Australia have won both games against Ireland and Pakistan emerged victorious over the hosts too. In head-to-head numbers, however, Australia lead 10-0. Although the stats are not in the favour of Pakistan, it’s important to note that they are on a four-T20I winning streak.
Time: July 23, 8:30 PM IST
