Dinesh Karthik highlights importance of toss in Pakistan-Australia semi-final

Indian wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik has backed Pakistan to ease past Australia in the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup.

While speaking on Cricbuzz YouTube channel, Karthik opened up about a mouth-watering clash. 

"Australia and Pakistan are two good sides but I have put my money on Pakistan because of the cricket they have been playing in the tournament thus far," said Karthik.

However, Karthik showed his reservation and claimed that the match heavily depends on the outcome of the toss.

"The toss matters a lot, especially in Dubai. If Australia wants to stand any chance of beating Pakistan, they must win the toss and look to bowl first otherwise Pakistan will run away with the match," he added.

ALSO READ: 'Australia is a big match team': Inzamam cautions Pakistan

Toss has often been a deciding factor in the majority of the games played in Dubai as there has only been one unsuccessful chase out of the 11 games.

The trend remains similar when we talk about the ongoing T20 World Cup; teams that have won the toss and opted to bowl first have won 20 out of 29 games thus far, including yesterday's semifinal between England and New Zealand.

Pakistan, however, have a great track record in the UAE as they have remained unbeaten in the last 16 consecutive T20Is; the last time they lost was in a Super Over against England in Sharjah in November 2015.