Pak vs Aus: Pakistan win toss, opt to field first

WEBDESK: Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam decided to field first after winning the toss against Australia in the 18th match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup at India’s Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier today.

The greenshirts find themselves under pressure after the loss to India and despite being in a favorable position, the decisive seven-wicket loss to their arch-rivals has undoubtedly shaken some confidence.

TO further aggravate the circumstances, both teams are dealing with fitness issues. Several Pakistani players have fallen ill due to the viral fever that’s been circulating in Bangalore.

In today’s match, Shadab Khan has been given rest with Usama Mir stepping in as his replacement for Pakistan.

“It’s a dream for everyone to play for Pakistan,” says Usama adding that “I am really happy to get to play for Pakistan in the World Cup”. He further added, “We’re aiming to make this match unforgettable with our performance”.

Meanwhile, Australia is contending with a sole specialist spinner, Adam Zampa, who has been grappling with back spasms.

Playing XI

Pakistan Squad

• Babar Azam (c)
• Abdullah Shafique
• Imam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Rizwan
• Saud Shakeel
• Iftikhar Ahmed
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Usama Mir
• Hasan Ali
• Shaheen Afridi
• Haris Rauf

Australia Squad

• Pat Cummins (c)
• David Warner
• Mitchell Marsh
• Steven Smith
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Josh Inglis
• Glenn Maxwell
• Marcus Stoinis
• Mitchell Starc
• Adam Zampa
• Josh Hazlewood.