Australia v Pakistan, 3rd T20I, Perth: Preview, likely XIs, prediction

The first T20I, at Sydney, was called off when Australia needed 78 in 71 balls with all 10 wickets standing. However, there was no stopping them in the second, where they restricted Pakistan to 150/6 before Steven Smith guided them to a comfortable 7-wicket win.

Australia are now one match away from claiming the series and retaining their unbeaten run in T20Is this year. They have had a splendid summer, losing just 9 wickets to win 4 T20Is (and not losing one in the truncated innings in the abandoned match).

David Warner, Aaron Finch, and Steven Smith have all got runs in these matches. If anything, their only problem has been the lack of practice for the middle order. The likes of Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, and Ashton Agar can do with some time in the middle.

Adam Zampa has been their standout bowler of the summer, supported ably by their group of fast bowlers. They will rest Pat Cummins for the decider, with Sean Abbott likely to come in as replacement.

As for Pakistan, Babar Azam has led from the front, bringing the Australian crowd to their feet with two beautiful innings. Iftikhar Ahmed impressed with some explosive batting at Canberra, but their bowlers failed to have an impact.

Mohammad Irfan, recalled at 37, used his height to great extent to extract steep bounce at Canberra, but he found little support. Unless their bowlers rise to the challenge, this is all set to be another cakewalk for Australia.

Head to head

Despite the defeat at Canberra, Pakistan hold a 12-8 lead against Australia, though the equation reads 1-1 on Australian soil.

Key players

Adam Zampa (Australia): Over the past few years, Zampa has emerged as one of the leading wrist-spinners in 20-over cricket. He will now want to improve on his already excellent summer (19-0-125-5) to help Australia win the series.

Mohammad Irfan (Pakistan): Irfan was picked out of nowhere by Misbah-ul-Haq for the series. After being thrashed around by Finch at Sydney, Irfan used his 7’1″ frame to great extent, often having batsmen hurrying on with his pace and extra bounce.

Likely XIs

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan.

Prediction

Australia to win and clinch the series 2-0.