Pakistan and Australia have gone head-to-head four times previously in World Cup (ODI and T20I) knockout matches, with the Aussies stunningly winning all four. The latest clash came in the quarter-finals of the 2015 ODI World Cup where Josh Hazlewood’s 4/35 and Steve Smith’s 65 (69) had ensured an easy, six-wicket triumph for Australia.
However, speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra remarked that instead of history repeating itself, it will be rewritten. He said:
Aakash Chopra’s statement was part of his four predictions for today’s match. For the other three, he predicted success for new-ball bowlers, left-arm seamers and leg-spinners from both teams. He explained:
While Pakistan have been undefeated so far in the tournament, Australia have won four of their five matches.
Babar Azam and co. topped a relatively easier group by defeating India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. Aaron Finch’s team, meanwhile, trounced West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, slenderly defeated South Africa and were comprehensively beaten by England to come second in Group 1.
“Final and semi-finals should have started earlier than usual” - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also talked about the importance of toss in Dubai - a venue where 10 of the 11 games have been won by teams fielding first. He said it’s “quite crucial” but teams batting first can win too if they put up a good score.
The cricketer-turned commentator then went on to suggest that the ICC should have allotted an early start to the final and semi-finals to avoid the impact of dew on the match’s result.
Aakash Chopra added:
The high-octane game will begin at 7:30 PM IST. The winner of the clash will meet in New Zealand in the final on October 14.
162 votes
