The Aussies head to the SCG for Game 4 of the ODI series against Pakistan leading 2-1 after a dominant win in Perth. The Green and Gold can wrap up the series with a win in Sydney, although our pre series 5-0 prediction is out of the question.
Set a target of 263 to win by the tourists in Perth, the Aussies chased the total down with ease, surpassing the figure with 5 overs to spare. Captain Steve Smith was the top Australian scorer for the second game in a row, blasting 108 off just 104 balls in the run chase. ODI debutant Peter Handscomb also had a great game, plundering 82 off 84 balls to set up the victory with Smith.
Babar Azam was the shining light for Pakistan, scoring 84 to set up a total that was, in the end, 30-40 runs short. For the first time this ODI series, the Pakistani bowlers failed to get the job done, only claiming 4 wickets in the 2nd innings of the game.
Billy Stanlake came back into the side after Mitch Starc was rested and claimed his maiden ODI wicket. However, it’s unknown whether he will retain his spot in the line-up or if Starc will come back in. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 3 wickets, proving he can get it done with red ball or white.
For the first time, the Aussie batting line-up did what I have been predicting it to do since game one as the top order fired. It’s a different look line-up with Usman Khawaja at the top and Travis Head at 5. There’s more stability without the volatile bat of Chris Lynn and I think in the long run it bodes well for the Aussies.
Australia should go into this match unchanged in the batting department at least, they proved in game 3 that they don’t need the extra seem option in Mitch Marsh as their 4 frontline bowlers as well as Travis Head all bowled their allotted 10 overs. Surprisingly, part time spinner Glenn Maxwell has not been used throughout the series so far, so there is another option there if Steve Smith requires it.
The game two loss seems to have been a slight blip on the radar for the Aussies, and I think the bookmakers are well aware of it. They came into game three still around the $1.25 mark and have opened at $1.24 for the SCG match.
Opener David Warner has been extremely quiet throughout this ODI series, and with a batsman as talented as he his, the law of averages would suggest that he is due for a big game. I like him to be Australia’s top run scorer in the 4th ODI.
TIP: David Warner most Australian runs - $3.75 at CrownBet
The SCG is usually a spin friendly wicket, the Aussies could elect to go with Adam Zapma for this match, but I think the slower, springier wicket could suit James Faulkners change of pace and seam action.
TIP: James Faulkner most Australian wickets - $4 at CrownBet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
