Australia vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup - Steady Smith key to Australian batting

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 11 Jun 2019

Ralph Staniforth 11 Jun 2019

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Pakistan’s hopes rest on Azam’s shoulders at County Ground

Expired

Australia beat Pakistan 5-0 in an ODI series in March 2019 (Getty Images)

Australia vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream

Australia meet Pakistan at Country Ground in what is a crucial match for both sides at the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Both have won one and lost one but I am backing the two form batsmen on either side to perform.

I am tipping Babar Azam to back up his 63 runs in his last innings against England with another score of over 36.5 runs at 1.90. Steve Smith has been Australia’s most consistent batsman since his return and I am backing him at 4.33 to be their best batsman.

Australia Form & Team News

Australia’s form coming into the World Cup was better than anyone’s but their 11 game winning run came to a crushing halt on Sunday against India at The Oval.

Bowling first they allowed India to score 352 runs which left their batsmen with far too much to do. A total of that size had never been chased in World Cup history and it wasn’t about to change.

It was a gallant effort by Australia with Steve Smith top scoring with 69 runs but they fell 36 runs short, ending on 316. Australia will be keen to get back on the horse and build momentum again but Pakistan will not be easy.

The Australians are favourites at 1.36 but I am focusing on the consistent Steve Smith to be Australia’s top run-scorer at 4.33.

steve smith batting — Australia's Steve Smith has been in consistent form since his return to the national side (Getty Images)

Pakistan Form & Team News

Pakistan were humiliated by the West Indies in their World Cup opener but bounced back as only Pakistan can to beat the hosts England. Unfortunately their momentum was stalled as their match in Bristol against Sri Lanka was rained out.

Babar Azam has been in good form and remains Pakistan’s most likely source of runs. He has scored over 36.5 runs in four of his last six innings while averaging 50.63 runs in ODI’s in 2019. My tip is for Azam to continue his form and score over 36.5 runs at 1.90.

Pakistan should be able to pick from a full squad for this mammoth clash against the Australians. For those who think Pakistan’s unpredictability will overcome the Aussies, they can be backed at 3.20.

Australia vs Pakistan Head to Head

Australia beat Pakistan 5-0 in an ODI series as recently as March 2019. The unpredictability of Pakistan still makes it a risky bet to go with either as an outright option but Australia no doubt deserve their favourites tag.

Australia vs Pakistan Live Streaming

You can watch Australia vs Pakistan 2019 Cricket World Cup match with bet365 via live streaming. Please see the terms and conditions at bet365 before attempting to watch the match on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or computer.

Australia vs Pakistan Match Up

Steve Smith has been in great form since returning to the Australian side and has scored 73 and 69 runs in his last two innings. His opposite number Babar Azam is the key to Pakistan’s batting line-up and will need to perform if Pakistan are to cause another upset.

babar azam batting — Babar Azam is tipped to score over 36.5 runs at County Ground (Getty Images)

Australia vs Pakistan Key Statistics

Australia’s Steve Smith has scored 73 and 69 runs in his last two innings at the World Cup.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam averages 50.63 runs in 14 ODI’s in 2019.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has scored over 36.5 runs in 4 of his last 6 innings’.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 63 runs in his last innings against England.

Verdict

I’m looking at Babar Azam to score over 36.5 runs at 1.90 and considering his form, he is my best bet to do so. Steve Smith is the epitome of consistency so and has been the rock which has held the Australian middle-order together. I am tipping Smith the be Justin Langer’s sides’ best batsman at 4.33.

Best Bet: Babar Azam Over 36.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 – 3 Units

Australian Best Batsman Tip: Steve Smith @ 4.33 at bet365 – 1 Unit