Preview of the 2nd test match between Pakistan and Australia, which is scheduled to begin on 12th March, 10:30 IST at National Stadium, Karachi.
The 1st test was a complete disappointment due to the highway track curated at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The three-match series hangs in the balance, and both sides will look to sway the momentum in their favour in the 2nd test match of the series.
Expected Changes in Playing XI:
Australia would be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson in place of Josh Hazelwood due to Karachi’s reputation of being a rank turner. Pakistan is expected to persist with the same playing XI; they fielded in the 1st test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Probable Playing XI:
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Fawad Alam, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah
Pitch Report:
National Stadium, Karachi, is more suitable for the bowlers than the batters. The pitch is anticipated to be a first-day turner, which might tempt both teams to bowl first in the 2nd test match. In 43 test matches held at this venue so far, teams bowling first have won 18 games compared to the 7 games won by teams batting first.
Prediction:
Karachi is Pakistan’s fortress, and it seems unlikely for Australia to breach it. The way Pakistan batters are performing, Cricreads anticipate that Pakistan will trump the Kangaroos in the 2nd test match.
Where to Stream:
PTV Sports and Foxtel will broadcast the live match in Pakistan and Australia respectively. In India, Sony Sports will broadcast the game on TV, while Sony Liv will stream the live-action online on its platform.