AUS vs PAK: Australia playing XI vs Pakistan, Match 18, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Predicted

Australia will face Pakistan in match No. 18 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Australia entered the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as one of the top favorites to win the tournament. But the start didn't go as they planned. They lost their opening two games against India and South Africa, respectively. But Australia managed a comprehensive win against Sri Lanka in Lucknow.

Now they will move to Bangalore, where they will face Pakistan at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 20 (Friday). This game will be a must-win match, as Australia can't afford another loss now. So we can expect a good game from them, but it won't be easy to beat Pakistan either. So let's check out the predicted playing XI for Australia against Pakistan.

AUS vs PAK: Australia's Predicted playing XI vs Pakistan

1. David Warner :

David Warner hasn't scored enough runs so far, which is also one of the reasons that Australia haven't done well. Because a lot depends on how Warner goes about the business at the top. He is an impactful opener and can certainly put Pakistan under pressure if he gets going. Pakistan will hope to get the wicket of Warner early, or else he can be dangerous.

2. Mitchell Marsh :

After strings of low sores, Mitchell Marsh finally registered a half-century in this tournament. He scored a vital 52 off 51 balls against Sri Lanka in a tricky chase to set the tone. He must feel good now, and that will be shown in his performance against Pakistan. Marsh had good numbers against Pakistan and will look to carry on.

3. Steve Smith :

Steve Smith is an ideal player to play big innings in this batting-order, but that has been missing in this tournament. Smith hasn't performed as per his caliber. A couple of decisions have also gone against him, which hasn't helped much. But Smith will be the man on whom Australia will rely in this important game against Pakistan.

4. Marnus Labuschagne :

Marnus Labuschagne has been among the runs for Australia so far. He has scored 113 runs in three innings and has played some crucial innings under pressure. He will be tested once again, but he has the ability to grind a good innings on a batting-friendly pitch in Bangalore. Labuschagne struggles in the first few balls, but after 20–25 balls, it will be hard to get him out.

5. Josh Inglis (wk) :

Josh Inglish played a match-winning innings under pressure against Sri Lanka and took the game in favor of Australia. He scored 58 off 59 balls, with six fours and one six, and helped Australia record their first win. He is an aggressive bloke that can take on the bowling and can play as per the situation, as seen in the last game, which makes him a difficult batter to bowl to.

6. Glenn Maxwell :

A lot will depend on how Glenn Maxwell performs because it is his home ground in IPL. He has played most cricket here among all players in two teams, so he will be aware of everything about the venue. Maxwell has also been in good form, he smashed a quick 31 in the last game and has taken three wickets with the ball, and he will be the player to watch out for.

7. Marcus Stoinis :

Marcus Stoinis batting at No. 7 shows how strong this batting line-up is. That is what Stoinis offers to the team. He can bat anywhere and can bowl some hard overs in the middle. His all-round ability will be a key for Australia because he can win games in both departments, and Pakistan will be worried about him.

8. Mitchell Starc :

Mitchell Starc has been pretty good so far. He has scored 55 runs in two innings and taken five wickets with the ball, which is why he will be a threat for Pakistan. Starc played two seasons for RCB in the IPL and will be aware of the conditions in Chinnasawmy, and he always performs incredibly well in World Cup events. Pakistan will have to play him well, or else he can take some crucial wickets from the top.

9. Pat Cummins (c) :

Australian captain, Pat Cummins, has performed below-average so far. Three wickets in three games at an economy rate of 6.06. But he is among the best pacers going around and has done so over the years. Cummins will be eager to make an impact in this important game and go for the kill.

10. Adam Zampa :

After struggling in the first two games, Adam Zampa finally got into rhythm against Sri Lanka and bowled a match-winning spell. He took 4/47 and changed the course of the game in favor of Australia. That will be his role again against Pakistan, as Pakistani batters have struggled against quality spin, and Zampa can exploit that for sure.

11. Josh Hazlewood :

Just like Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood is a key player for RCB and has been playing in Bengaluru for the last couple of years. That might be in his favor. He is a No. 1 ranked ODI bowler and has done a decent job so far with four wickets. It will not be easy to play against him because Pakistan depends a lot on their top-order.