WT20WC 2024 Day Nine Preview: Pakistan the next challenge for Australia

A victory here will all but sew up a semi-final berth for Australia, but they won't have it all their own way as Pakistan still harbour aspirations of reaching the knockout stages.

Australia v Pakistan

Match Centre and Scorecard

Australia v Pakistan, Friday 10 October (18:00 local), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Six-time champions Australia remain the team to beat at the T20 World Cup and will be keen to move one step closer to the knockout stages with a victory over Pakistan.

Australia have cruised to wins against Sri Lanka and New Zealand during the opening two matches, with experienced pacer Megan Schutt leading the way with the ball and the likes of Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry looking dangerous with the bat.

Their spin attack is also solid and, with no apparent weakness in their squad, it's going to take something special to topple the reigning champions in the UAE.

Pakistan caused an upset with a victory first up against Sri Lanka and showed glimpses of their best when going down to arch-rvial India by six wickets in their most recent encounter in Dubai.

But Pakistan’s thoughts were understandably elsewhere a day before the game, with captain Fatima Sana flying back to Pakistan to Dubai after the passing of her father.

Muneeba Ali will lead the side in the absence of their captain.

With pacer Diana Baig no certainly to return from injury, Pakistan will rely on their potent spin attack to disrupt Australia's strong batting line-up, with experienced offie Nida Dar and left-armer Nashra Sundhu sure to play a pivotal role.

Early wickets will be vital for Pakistan in their attempt to limit Australia, who look hard to stop at this tournament already.

What They Said

Pakistan stand-in captain Muneeba Ali: "Obviously, Fatima is our captain and the qualities she possesses in batting and bowling are very good and she gives our team a good balance. So, obviously we will miss her as a captain and as a player, but we will try to win the match for her and her father."

The Squads

Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

Pakistan: Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (c), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan. Travelling reserves: Najiha Alvi (wk). Non-travelling reserves: Rameen Shamim, Umm-e-Hani

The T20 World Cup will see 23 matches held in total over 18 days, with all matches in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.

Fans can purchase tickets online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.