OdishaPlus Bureau
Rain, on least demand but still snatching the matches
Rain is performing well above any other teams in this world cup. As team New Zealand is on the top of the table with winning 3 matches, rain as well as stands on the same level by snatching over three matches in the tournament so far. In England, rain is just a common factor but it is not at all commendable during the matches. The leading run scorer so far is Shakib-Al-Hasan (Banglasdesh) with 260 runs in three matches while Lockie Ferguson from New Zealand has accounted the leading wicket taker tag by taking 8 wickets in three matches.
Team India on top 4, is it going to retain the position?
Team India has played least number of matches in comparison to any other team in this tournament so far. But it stands on the third position with winning two consecutive matches against South Africa and Australia. The combination of batting, bowling and fielding unit is simply ravaging the opposition. With this form, India could have triumph the tournament easily as it has already won over two big teams in this tournament. But the man in form Shikhar Dhawan is ruled out from the tournament with a fractured thumb. The move comes out at a crucial time as Dhawan recently slammed a century against Australia in men in blue’s 2nd match of the tournament. While Risabh Pant, whose omission from the original squad became a topic of heated debates, has shown his colossal form in the past one year. This helped Pant to re-join in the team as in cover for injured Dhawan.
Australia vs Pakistan
In the 17th match of the ICC WC 2019, Australia will face Pakistan at the county ground, Taunton on Wednesday. Australia will keen to get their act together again after the loss to India, while Pakistan will be keen to gain full points after a rained out null results with Sri Lanka. Again the role of weather is expected to play a massive role in the encounter as it is predicted to remain cloudy throughout the day. Even though the chances of raining are low in the morning, thunder storm can intervene in the match in the afternoon section.
Australia may make changes in its team as Marcus Stoin is is injured and will remain out of the squad for the next two matches. Kane Richardson can make into the team for his replacement as an all-rounder.
While Pakistan is expected to play with an unchanged eleven, as the previous match in Bristol against Sri Lanka is washed out without a single ball delivered.
Pakistan can jump to the 2nd position in the point table from the 8th position, if it manages a win against Australia. So, it is interesting to see the high voltage rivalry between these two teams on Wednesday.
Story: Sanat Padhi
