Which side will win the Australia v Pakistan game in the ICC World Cup 2019?

[Mamoon]

What never ceases to amaze me with Australia is their mental toughness and ability to keep calm under pressure. Their performance yesterday is a testament to that, when they were in all kinds of strife at 38/4. 95% of the time a team loses in that scenario but not Australia, they find a way because they're so well mentally conditioned to absorb pressure and subsequently bounce back.

This has been a theme of all Australia sides in the last 20 years and to reinforce this point in respect of this team, I believe they were the first team in 16 years to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a 5 match series when they beat India in their own backyard. Last time this happened was during Pakistan's home ODI series when they lost 3-2 against SA, after winning the first 2 x ODIs.

It comes to no surprise they find a way of winning when they've been written off during the contest. That knock from Hussey in the WT20 in 2010 is another notable example of this.

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] you're clutching at straws

Much like Pakistan, Australia is also subjected to a lot of cliches that are not necessarily true, and a lot of it has to do with the glory of the almost invincible Australian team from 1999/2000 to 2007.

Mental strength, toughness, competitive spirit, never say die attitude, always come good in tournaments, you have to be good etc., not of all that apply to this current generation of Australian side. Much like how every time Pakistan wins a game and it becomes a story of unpredictability and cornered tigers, every time Australia win it is because they are mentally tough and always rise to the occasion etc.

Australia is not the first or the last time to recover from 30/4, but the superlative praise of competitiveness, and never say die attitude etc. are only reserved for Australia.

Since their golden generation ended, they have not won a single tournament in which they haven't been the favourites or where the conditions didn't favour them. All the WT20s, Champions Trophies 2013 and 2017, 2011 World Cup - in none of these tournaments have their mental strength, competitive spirit, ability to keep calm under pressure and other cliches etc. helped them defy the odds.

Secondly, they aren't the first team in 16 years to overturn a 2-0 deficit. South Africa did that against England in 2016, and in the third ODI, they had to chase 320 to keep the series alive. However, when they turned it around and won 3-2, no one praised their competitive spirit, character, mentality etc. etc.

Hussey's knock was brilliant, but did he play that innings because he was Australian? He isn't the first or the last player to defy the odds and win his team the match, and not all of them have been Australians.

Australia is a very good team in favourable conditions, but overall, they are inferior to England and India. That doesn't mean they cannot beat England or India in this World Cup, but they have a lesser chance of going all the way. In my opinion, they missed a trick by not selecting Handscomb. Their middle-order is lightweight without him.

 

[Mamoon]

Strawman argument.

87 and 99 according to you were flukes.

2003 and 2007 they had the best team.

2011 they missed.

2015 they again were the best team according to you.

The problem is since 98 to 2019 in 20 years they have won possible 4 out of 5 World Cups. Now you are trying to downplay it by saying they are favorites for most of them.

That doesn't make sense.

In last 20 years IF ENGLAND or ANY OTHER TEAM had won 4 out of 5 World Cups you would have been exuding and lauding their ability to absorb pressure and win major tournaments.

Now since its Australia, you are trying to find faults by comparing ridiculous World T20 events which Australia doesn't even take seriously and Champions Trophy which has been won by even West Indies as an underdog ( a testament to its fluid nature and lack of application by most teams).

Winning 4 World Cups out of 5 would be equivalent to Germany or Spain winning 4 Fifa World Cups in last 20 years despite being heavy favorites.

Do you really think you would be able to say Ah heck, Germany isn't that good of a team, but they won 4 out of 5 cause they were mostly favorites all the time.

I disagree with you completely and I think you are acting partisan to other teams because you personally don't like the Australian team.

I have already said multiple times that when Australia are favourites, they usually go all the way. It is of course a very strong quality to have and they have proved it multiple times. However, they have also shown that when they are not favourites, they very rarely defy odds and go onto win the title.

That is why, considering that England and India are stronger teams on paper, Australia are a lesser threat in this World Cup because they are not known for rising to the occasion, absorbing pressure, (insert cliches) etc. when they are somewhat of an an underdog. Since their golden generation ended, they have consistently fallen short when they haven't been the favourites.

It is ironic that you are blaming me for making excuses, but yet your lame excuse for not winning a WT20 and failing in the recent Champions Trophies is that they don't take it seriously and the Champions Trophy has been won by underdogs. Do you even believe what you said?

Firstly, they have not won a WT20 yet because they haven't been good enough to do so, and not because they don't want to. They have consistently fallen short in key moments in every edition so far because the opposition have been better than them in those moments.

When you step onto the pitch, you give your 100% and Australia have consistently selected their best T20 players for WT20s, so their inability to win one so far is a blot that contradicts the notion that they are a tournament team and always rise to the occasion etc. etc.

Secondly, so what if the Champions Trophy has been won by underdogs? Does that give the top teams the license to not win? Australia have been poor in the last two Champions Trophies in England because they haven't been good enough to compete.

It is good that you gave Spain's example. They had a golden generation that won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. That however, does not make Spain a team that rises to the big occasion, absorbs pressure like no other side can and is a tournament team etc. In the future, when Spain play the Euros and the World Cups, you cannot project the success of their almost-invincible to their future sides.

Australia is quite similar. Before and after their golden generation, they have been just another quality side who have had highs and lows, and have not shown any special ability to justify the cliches that are thrown around to describe them.

Dislike is a strong word in my opinion. I enjoy England and India winning more, but I won't classify myself as an Australian hater. However, I do think they get overrated because of the perception, reputation and image that the McGrath, Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne etc. generation created, and the aura that they had. However, those players were a deviation from the norm, and we cannot project their qualities and characteristics into the current generation of Australian cricketers.

 

[Hasan123]

They got destroyed with their first XI in 2018 against England. Cummins, Starc, Smith, Warner were all there. You overrate Australia a lot, they are good, but not close to England or India. They almost lost to WI just 2 days ago.

That was just after The Ashes . Whoever wins The Ashes doesn't really care about that LO series.

England and India also lost to West Indies recently. So almost losing to West Indies is a factor in not winning the WC?

 

[Dr_Bassim]

I have already said multiple times that when Australia are favourites, they usually go all the way. It is of course a very strong quality to have and they have proved it multiple times. However, they have also shown that when they are not favourites, they very rarely defy odds and go onto win the title.

That is why, considering that England and India are stronger teams on paper, Australia are a lesser threat in this World Cup because they are not known for rising to the occasion, absorbing pressure, (insert cliches) etc. when they are somewhat of an an underdog. Since their golden generation ended, they have consistently fallen short when they haven't been the favourites.

It is ironic that you are blaming me for making excuses, but yet your lame excuse for not winning a WT20 and failing in the recent Champions Trophies is that they don't take it seriously and the Champions Trophy has been won by underdogs. Do you even believe what you said?

Firstly, they have not won a WT20 yet because they haven't been good enough to do so, and not because they don't want to. They have consistently fallen short in key moments in every edition so far because the opposition have been better than them in those moments.

When you step onto the pitch, you give your 100% and Australia have consistently selected their best T20 players for WT20s, so their inability to win one so far is a blot that contradicts the notion that they are a tournament team and always rise to the occasion etc. etc.

Secondly, so what if the Champions Trophy has been won by underdogs? Does that give the top teams the license to not win? Australia have been poor in the last two Champions Trophies in England because they haven't been good enough to compete.

It is good that you gave Spain's example. They had a golden generation that won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. That however, does not make Spain a team that rises to the big occasion, absorbs pressure like no other side can and is a tournament team etc. In the future, when Spain play the Euros and the World Cups, you cannot project the success of their almost-invincible to their future sides.

Australia is quite similar. Before and after their golden generation, they have been just another quality side who have had highs and lows, and have not shown any special ability to justify the cliches that are thrown around to describe them.

Dislike is a strong word in my opinion. I enjoy England and India winning more, but I won't classify myself as an Australian hater. However, I do think they get overrated because of the perception, reputation and image that the McGrath, Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne etc. generation created, and the aura that they had. However, those players were a deviation from the norm, and we cannot project their qualities and characteristics into the current generation of Australian cricketers.

I was about to reply a lengthy post but then it wouldn't serve any purpose.

Results are for all to see, even if you manufacture self-made excuses that Australia aren't mentally tough or not good when conditions aren't favorable.

Infact you'd have to go back to 92 WC before you find an Australian team that missed out on the semi finals of the competition.

So let's see, from 96 to 2019 there have been 6 World Cups.

4 of them Australia have won, 96 final and 2011 Semi Final.

If that is not a sign of a good team and you consider England and India better than Australia in unfavorable conditions I have nothing else to say except good luck defending your argument.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

By the way on topic.

Cummins is a brilliant bowler who will change the complexion of the semi finals if Australia reach the semis.

Starc has his days and with Zampa they have a leg spinner with knack of picking up wickets even if he is a bit costly.

Add Maxwell and Finch to the mix, and they really do bowl well.

Before the tournament started, I would have given England and India a fair chance of defeating Australia.

But add Smith, Warner and Maxwell as batsmen with Cummins, Starc and Zampa, England will have their work cut out winning the semi final if they hit Australia.

Hope you are around to watch it happen if England somehow lose.

 

[Mamoon]

I was about to reply a lengthy post but then it wouldn't serve any purpose.

Results are for all to see, even if you manufacture self-made excuses that Australia aren't mentally tough or not good when conditions aren't favorable.

Infact you'd have to go back to 92 WC before you find an Australian team that missed out on the semi finals of the competition.

So let's see, from 96 to 2019 there have been 6 World Cups.

4 of them Australia have won, 96 final and 2011 Semi Final.

If that is not a sign of a good team and you consider England and India better than Australia in unfavorable conditions I have nothing else to say except good luck defending your argument.

What is the relevance of the 90's Australia to this current team? I am judging this Australian team on their pathetic performances in the last two Champions Trophies in England, but if the World Cup was in Australia, I would consider them a big favourite.

I am not arguing that Australia is not a good team. My point is that they are not worthy of the cliches that Australia have earned because of their golden generation. They are a good team, but they have a lesser chance than England and India of winning the World Cup.

Also, I didn't state that England and India are better than Australia in favourable conditions. My point is that there a lot of myths associated with Australia because of what their invincible team achieved.

 

[Mamoon]

By the way on topic.

Cummins is a brilliant bowler who will change the complexion of the semi finals if Australia reach the semis.

Starc has his days and with Zampa they have a leg spinner with knack of picking up wickets even if he is a bit costly.

Add Maxwell and Finch to the mix, and they really do bowl well.

Before the tournament started, I would have given England and India a fair chance of defeating Australia.

But add Smith, Warner and Maxwell as batsmen with Cummins, Starc and Zampa, England will have their work cut out winning the semi final if they hit Australia.

Hope you are around to watch it happen if England somehow lose.

I would put Australia as the third favourite after England and India, even if they win today. However, Let's see what happens.

 

[Hasan123]

What is the relevance of the 90's Australia to this current team? I am judging this Australian team on their pathetic performances in the last two Champions Trophies in England, but if the World Cup was in Australia, I would consider them a big favourite.

I am not arguing that Australia is not a good team. My point is that they are not worthy of the cliches that Australia have earned because of their golden generation. They are a good team, but they have a lesser chance than England and India of winning the World Cup.

Also, I didn't state that England and India are better than Australia in favourable conditions. My point is that there a lot of myths associated with Australia because of what their invincible team achieved.

So since you want to judge on recent performances. You think India will reach the final, but that is no certainty with what you think it is lol. India have choked in big ICC games recently. You have never even mentioned this . You think they will just breeze through. Even Indian fans arent as confident as you.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

What is the relevance of the 90's Australia to this current team? I am judging this Australian team on their pathetic performances in the last two Champions Trophies in England, but if the World Cup was in Australia, I would consider them a big favourite.

I am not arguing that Australia is not a good team. My point is that they are not worthy of the cliches that Australia have earned because of their golden generation. They are a good team, but they have a lesser chance than England and India of winning the World Cup.

Also, I didn't state that England and India are better than Australia in favourable conditions. My point is that there a lot of myths associated with Australia because of what their invincible team achieved.

Well that's your flaw.

You are judging them in past Champions Trophy performances (btw in 2017 they never made it because of 2 rained off games) while I am judging them on last 25 years of World Cup performances.

My point remains, in World Cup, Australia is a tough cookie to crack.

Even Pakistan can end up winning the World Cup, if things go according to a different plan. But its just so unlikely.

So let's hear it.

96 Final
99 Winner
03 Winner
07 Winner
11 Semi Final
15 Winner

Why do you think Australia has lesser chance than England or India of winning when this is their performances in since ' 96

England

96 - QF
99 - Failed to reach Knockout
03 - Failed to reach Knockout
07 - Super 8 Elimination
11 - QF
15 - Failed to Reach Knockout

Let's talk about India

96 - QF
99 - Super Six
03 - Final
07 - Group Stage
11 - Winner
15 - Semi Final

India definitely is a better reading than England for sure, but short of Australia.

Now you might argue, why I went 25 years ago, to prove my point.

The reason is that of the 6 World Cups played in last 25 years, irrespective of Australia's performance in JAMODI's, T20s, Champions Trophy or any other quadrangulars, Australia has come tops 4 times out of 6 with a notable final and semi final performance in other remaining two times.

If that is not sign of a Champion Team or a Good team, than maybe England is the Champion.

Lol.

 

[MMHS]

I was about to reply a lengthy post but then it wouldn't serve any purpose.

Results are for all to see, even if you manufacture self-made excuses that Australia aren't mentally tough or not good when conditions aren't favorable.

Infact you'd have to go back to 92 WC before you find an Australian team that missed out on the semi finals of the competition.

So let's see, from 96 to 2019 there have been 6 World Cups.

4 of them Australia have won, 96 final and 2011 Semi Final.

If that is not a sign of a good team and you consider England and India better than Australia in unfavorable conditions I have nothing else to say except good luck defending your argument.

AUS has won WC in all 5 continents- Asia, Europe, Africa, America, Oceania - not sure if there is any other condition left.

 

[Mamoon]

Well that's your flaw.

You are judging them in past Champions Trophy performances (btw in 2017 they never made it because of 2 rained off games) while I am judging them on last 25 years of World Cup performances.

My point remains, in World Cup, Australia is a tough cookie to crack.

Even Pakistan can end up winning the World Cup, if things go according to a different plan. But its just so unlikely.

So let's hear it.

96 Final
99 Winner
03 Winner
07 Winner
11 Semi Final
15 Winner

Why do you think Australia has lesser chance than England or India of winning when this is their performances in since ' 96

England

96 - QF
99 - Failed to reach Knockout
03 - Failed to reach Knockout
07 - Super 8 Elimination
11 - QF
15 - Failed to Reach Knockout

Let's talk about India

96 - QF
99 - Super Six
03 - Final
07 - Group Stage
11 - Winner
15 - Semi Final

India definitely is a better reading than England for sure, but short of Australia.

Now you might argue, why I went 25 years ago, to prove my point.

The reason is that of the 6 World Cups played in last 25 years, irrespective of Australia's performance in JAMODI's, T20s, Champions Trophy or any other quadrangulars, Australia has come tops 4 times out of 6 with a notable final and semi final performance in other remaining two times.

If that is not sign of a Champion Team or a Good team, than maybe England is the Champion.

Lol.

The part that I highlighted in red is the problem with your argument.

Australia's record over the last 25 years as well as the record of England or India in the same period have absolutely no bearing on the relative strengths of the two teams.

There are about 6-7 players in this Australian team that do not represent the characteristics, attributes and the cliches that you would normally associate with Australian cricket.

I hope that the bloody nose that the ruthless, champion team is getting from a big tournament favourite right now, and the way the tough World Cup cookie is crumbling out there will help you understand that this Australian team is not the juggernaut that you and a few others are making them out to be, based on your perception of what Australian cricket is about.

Australia is quite a good team with 3-4 top players. However, neither their batting unit or their bowling attack is best in the world. England have the best batting lineup and India have the best bowling unit, and this allows them to make up for whatever weaknesses they have. That is why, they are the top two favourites in my view.

After these two, Australia probably stand the best chance along with perhaps New Zealand. These two sides are pretty hard to separate.

 

[Mamoon]

AUS has won WC in all 5 continents- Asia, Europe, Africa, America, Oceania - not sure if there is any other condition left.

Australia have nothing to prove - they are the most successful cricket nation of all time for a reason. However, the point of debate here is the current capability of their team.

They have 5-6 posters boys of mediocrity in this squad, who can only win a World Cup on one continent.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

The only reason Australia are not outright favourites is because England have an outrageously good batting lineup and two fast bowlers who can clock 95 mph. Write them off at your own peril. This team is definitely making semis and after that - they have more players who know how to win a World Cup than the rest of the teams put together . As for the game against Pakistan, I'd put Australia in as slight favourites

 

[MMHS]

Australia have nothing to prove - they are the most successful cricket nation of all time for a reason. However, the point of debate here is the current capability of their team.

They have 5-6 posters boys of mediocrity in this squad, who can only win a World Cup on one continent.

They have the capability to win WC even now and any where - just 3 months back, they beat full strength India from 0-2 down in India. That 1999-2007 team actually was exceptional rather than normal- went 35 games undefeated and they missed few key players on way, such was their superiority that their replacement players like Bichel & Tait could have made tournament XV.

This is more of an average Australia who still can win it, but not the top favourites. And, still they are the toughest nut around - trust me, Aussies won’t ever Fakhar & Azhar to bully them like that even after couple of no balls and won choke to 35-3 against one bowler, then concede a 180 runs defeat in a final - put AUS B team, still it'll give better fight.

 

[Afhan Ali]

Rohit > Warner
Dhawan > Finch
Kohli > Smith
Rahul = Khawaja
Pandya = Maxwell
Kedar > Stoines
Kuldeep > Zampa
Bumrah = Cummins
Chahal > Lyon
B Kumar << Starc

India is currently far far better team than Australia and there 5 WC win is history( Past) and WC is playing now in present.

Similarly England is also far better than Australia

 

[Afhan Ali]

Rohit > Warner
Dhawan > Finch
Kohli > Smith
Rahul = Khawaja
Pandya = Maxwell
Kedar > Stoines
Kuldeep > Zampa
Bumrah = Cummins
Chahal > Lyon
B Kumar << Starc

India is currently far far better team than Australia and there 5 WC win is history( Past) and WC is playing now in present.

Similarly England is also far better than Australia

Some are talking about strong mentality, if someone is mentally toughest but not best in certain field he will never be champion.

 

[Technics 1210]

Dislike is a strong word in my opinion. I enjoy England and India winning more, but I won't classify myself as an Australian hater. However, I do think they get overrated because of the perception, reputation and image that the McGrath, Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne etc. generation created, and the aura that they had. However, those players were a deviation from the norm, and we cannot project their qualities and characteristics into the current generation of Australian cricketers.

This is the final piece in the jigsaw. You enjoy England and India winning, it is not coincidence Australia and Pakistan are respective arch rivals of ENG & IND. I know exactly why you support England & India, but you sir have finally confirmed your utter disdain towards PAK and AUS is a coping mechanism, amongst other things.

Speaking of which, since all ICC Tournaments are mentioned, it puts into perspective of what Pakistan has achieved in ICC tournaments.

 

[Mamoon]

This is the final piece in the jigsaw. You enjoy England and India winning, it is not coincidence Australia and Pakistan are respective arch rivals of ENG & IND. I know exactly why you support England & India, but you sir have finally confirmed your utter disdain towards PAK and AUS is a coping mechanism, amongst other things.

Speaking of which, since all ICC Tournaments are mentioned, it puts into perspective of what Pakistan has achieved in ICC tournaments.

My favorite teams have always been the following:

1. Pakistan (unfortunately)
2. England
3. India

However, I really like Holder’s WI so they can be considered my fourth team. I am indifferent towards the rest.

 

[Mamoon]

They have the capability to win WC even now and any where - just 3 months back, they beat full strength India from 0-2 down in India. That 1999-2007 team actually was exceptional rather than normal- went 35 games undefeated and they missed few key players on way, such was their superiority that their replacement players like Bichel & Tait could have made tournament XV.

This is more of an average Australia who still can win it, but not the top favourites. And, still they are the toughest nut around - trust me, Aussies won’t ever Fakhar & Azhar to bully them like that even after couple of no balls and won choke to 35-3 against one bowler, then concede a 180 runs defeat in a final - put AUS B team, still it'll give better fight.

They are definitely not bigger favorites than England and India. People are overrating them because of their perception of what an Australian team should be.

 

[hur rizvi]

Australia are pretty much beatable but I am afraid about our mental barrrier against Aussies

 

[spiderreddy]

Pakistan to unleash Hasnain and bounce the hell out of Oz

 

[Technics 1210]

My favorite teams have always been the following:

1. Pakistan (unfortunately)
2. England
3. India

However, I really like Holder’s WI so they can be considered my fourth team. I am indifferent towards the rest.

Hang on, you said WI is your 3rd team in the World Cup after Pakistan were blitzed for 105 all out, now it's 4, let me guess, seeing India dominate Australia right now has forced you to change your opinion, yet again? Never mind, I expect you to respond with something along the lines your list includes favourites etc but doesn't change the fact that you change your opinion in every thread.

Anyway, why even follow Pakistan cricket? You clearly stated you are unfortunate to be a Pakistani. Now you cannot change your physical attributes or Pakistan for that matter, but no one is forcing you to follow Pakistan cricket.

You really are a confused man full of inconsistencies, hypocrisies, and coping/compensation mechanisms. So much so you believe Pakistan can beat Australia in this thread, despite you claiming Pakistan is mediocre blah blah blah. Let me guess, if Pakistan beat Australia you can shout fluke?

You really do need help.

 

[PakWarrior]

Weather forecast is of all day rain. Match likely to be abandoned.

 

[Mamoon]

Hang on, you said WI is your 3rd team in the World Cup after Pakistan were blitzed for 105 all out, now it's 4, let me guess, seeing India dominate Australia right now has forced you to change your opinion, yet again? Never mind, I expect you to respond with something along the lines your list includes favourites etc but doesn't change the fact that you change your opinion in every thread.

Anyway, why even follow Pakistan cricket? You clearly stated you are unfortunate to be a Pakistani. Now you cannot change your physical attributes or Pakistan for that matter, but no one is forcing you to follow Pakistan cricket.

You really are a confused man full of inconsistencies, hypocrisies, and coping/compensation mechanisms. So much so you believe Pakistan can beat Australia in this thread, despite you claiming Pakistan is mediocre blah blah blah. Let me guess, if Pakistan beat Australia you can shout fluke?

You really do need help.

I usually don’t admit that I like the Indian team, but I don’t see any reason why I should hide my admiration.

As far as Pakistan beating Australia is concerned, Australia at its best is superior, but if they underperform, there is no reason why Pakistan cannot win.

 

[bujhee kom]

80/20 in Aust favour.

 

[Hasan2K8]

Pakistan.

 

[Dr_Green]

Rain will win!

 

[aloo paratha]

That was just after The Ashes . Whoever wins The Ashes doesn't really care about that LO series.

England and India also lost to West Indies recently. So almost losing to West Indies is a factor in not winning the WC?

So they played their full strength team yet still didn't care? India and England lost random bilateral matches, Australia almost lost to them in the WC, and by your logic the Aussies are a tournament team. Even today against India their performance has been pretty poor.

 

[Hasan123]

So they played their full strength team yet still didn't care? India and England lost random bilateral matches, Australia almost lost to them in the WC, and by your logic the Aussies are a tournament team. Even today against India their performance has been pretty poor.

You will lose 1 game in the tournament. Australia are the only team who can challenge India and England imo.

But you said because Australia almost lost to West Indies they cant win the WC. India and England lost to them in bilaterals.

 

[aloo paratha]

You will lose 1 game in the tournament. Australia are the only team who can challenge India and England imo.

But you said because Australia almost lost to West Indies they cant win the WC. India and England lost to them in bilaterals.

I never said they can't win the WC just because they lost to WI, I'm just saying they are not looking convincing, and haven't been for the last 2 years. Their only good performances worth counting was against India this year, against us they played a bunch of nobodies.

 

[AAli98]

If pak win there next 2 games they should be given the wrld cup just for that feat.. they would have beaten eng aus ind. can be done need to get rid of Imam - just like what warner done today killed all the momentum.

 

[shaykh]

Less convinced the Aussies will win now...

Outside of Cummins and Starc their bowling attack is not great...they missed a trick by not picking Hazlewood...

And their batting still isn't clicking...Maxwell is their X-factor player still...Warner looks awful...

 

[Chokli]

Warner is going to come hard against us.

Better for Pakistan if the match is rained out.

 

[slice]

Well,really tough to call but this is not the strongest Australian side.In no way I can call them favorites for the tournament.As of now I will honestly say the two teams are somewhat evenly matched.
If Pakistan can hold their nerve and play insaano wali cricket then its 50-50.If pak have a melt down then Australia is winning.

As for the rest,a loss agasint India and NZ is pretty much guaranteed...agasint SA i honestly expect Pakistan to win.

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Well,really tough to call but this is not the strongest Australian side.In no way I can call them favorites for the tournament.As of now I will honestly say the two teams are somewhat evenly matched.
If Pakistan can hold their nerve and play insaano wali cricket then its 50-50.If pak have a melt down then Australia is winning.

As for the rest,a loss agasint India and NZ is pretty much guaranteed...agasint SA i honestly expect Pakistan to win.

NZ at Edgbaston will be a cauldron. Massive fan support and I think the ball should be spinning by then

 

[Minnowbasher]

Rain

 

[shazia9000]

early days but theres rain for the big one on the 16th.

 

[slice]

NZ at Edgbaston will be a cauldron. Massive fan support and I think the ball should be spinning by then

cauldron ?

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

cauldron ?

Very partisan and noisy Pakistani crowd which will put nz under pressure

 

[Syed1]

early days but theres rain for the big one on the 16th.

Man all our games have rain prediction


It will be poetic if all our main games are washed out then we beat BD and AFG and go to the semis like a boss

 

[MachoKhan]

No rains expected as it has cleared up.

 

[leonidas_alexandar]

Somehow I suspect that Warner might come hard at Pakistan after his performance today. His performance against Pakistan will show if he is indeed mentally shot handling the after effects of the ban or he is too good a player to be kept down.

 

[OffDrive]

As an Aussie I think Pakistan will win, they are one of the favourites for the WC, it will be England v Pakistan in the final.

 

[slice]

Very partisan and noisy Pakistani crowd which will put nz under pressure

NZ wont come under pressure.They aint like Pakistan.

 

[slice]

As an Aussie I think Pakistan will win, they are one of the favourites for the WC, it will be England v Pakistan in the final.

Really,,,what happened to India ?
Honestly ,the favorites would be NZ,India and England.

 

[shaaik]

With Pakistan one really can't tell.. If they play with the same intensity and valor as they played against England there is no stopping them then...

 

[Mainul]

Rain shall win

 

[MenInG]

Go on Pakistan!

 

[Afhan Ali]

Hope we beat Australia

 

[Hasan2K8]

I got a feeling Pak will win against Aus

 

[Roadie]

Pakistan. IA

 

[Captain caveman]

Unfortunately, the aussies will whoop us today, i see a 1999 final type of mauling!

 

[Mirpur express]

Beat them good! Why not , bowl first & get into Warner & Co I’d bring Shaheen back & also Harris for Malik & Wahab