Preview: Australia looks to seal series as Pakistan seeks comeback

After narrowly missing out on a thrilling win in the first ODI, Pakistan will be looking to bounce back and keep the series alive in the second match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Pakistan's bowlers, led by fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, fought hard to defend a modest target of 203 in the first ODI. Their aggressive short-pitched deliveries rattled the Australian batters, but Pakistan fell short in the end. Despite the defeat, the team is determined to come back stronger in the second match. 

"We were close in the first match, and we learned a lot from that loss," said Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan. "The tactics worked well, but we will need to adjust our strategy at Adelaide Oval with its shorter boundaries compared to the MCG."

Pakistan's fast bowlers were key in troubling Australia's batsmen, but the team is aware they need a more disciplined approach against a potent Australian batting lineup. Australia’s aggressive style is a challenge, and Pakistan must bowl consistently to keep the series alive. 

Looking to change the momentum, Pakistan will rely on key players like Babar Azam, who was in good form in the first ODI with a solid 37 runs before being dismissed by Adam Zampa. Known for his skill in ODIs, Babar will be hoping to continue his good record at the Adelaide Oval, where he scored an impressive century against Australia in 2017.

Australia, on the other hand, is aiming to wrap up the series in the second match. The team is confident, with key players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Steven Smith showing strong form in the first ODI. Starc has been in excellent shape this season, and Smith’s 44 runs in the previous game eased concerns about his form. However, Marnus Labuschagne, who struggled in the first match, will be looking to bounce back.

Australia’s bowling unit will be strengthened with the return of Josh Hazlewood, who replaces Sean Abbott in the squad. Hazlewood will be looking to make a mark before the upcoming Test series against India.

The Adelaide Oval is known for its flat pitch, which allows for rapid scoring, especially with short square boundaries. Although there has been some rain in the lead-up to the match, the weather is expected to clear up for the match, with sunny conditions predicted for the afternoon.
 
If Pakistan wins, they will level the series, setting up a decider in Perth on Sunday. A loss would hand Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.