World Cup 2019: Key players for Pakistan vs Australia encounter

By
Aliha Ejaz
|

TAUNTON: Defending champion Australia take on Pakistan in the seventeenth match of the Cricket World Cup at County Ground in Taunton today.

The match between Pakistan and Australia will begin at 2:30pm Pakistan Standard Time.

Following players are expected to play a significant role in today's game.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

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Right-hand middle-order batsman Babar Azam is ranked seventh in the in ODI rankings.

Azam since arriving in England has put up consistent performances while batting number three. 

Azam who has played 66 ODI’s, has scored 2,824 runs at an average of 51.34.

Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)

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With just eight wickets away from becoming the second highest wicket taker for Pakistan in the World Cup, left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz has all eyes on him. 

Riaz is best remembered for his bouncers to Australia's Shane Watson during the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal, where Pakistan almost took the match away from the Kangaroos. 

He currently ranks fifth on the list of highest wicket-takers for Pakistan in World Cups.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

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Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman is difficult to contain once he gets in the flow. 

Zaman has scored nine-half centuries and scored 1,442 runs in 31 ODIs at an average of 53.40.

The 29-year-old recently scored an 84-ball century for Pakistan against England during the second ODI at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

David Warner (Australia)

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Known for his power hitting abilities Warner scored an 89* in Australia's opening match against Afghanistan, leading the Kangaroos to their first victory in the tournament.

Warner who has played 109 matches, has scored 4,491 runs at an average of 44.02.

With 14 centuries and 18 half-centuries in his 109 ODI career, Warner will be important for Australia in today's game.

Mitchell Starc (Australia)

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A left-arm fast bowler with an ability to swing the ball at high speeds Mitchell Starc is expected to create trouble for Pakistan. 

Starc has taken 145 wickets with an economy of 4.95.

Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

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Known for his clean ball-striking, batsman Glenn Maxwell averages 55 against Pakistan, with scores of 71, 98, and 70 in his previous three matches.

Maxwell will be instrumental for Australia in today's game against Pakistan.