Australia v Pakistan: 2nd ODI preview

Australia head to the Adelaide Oval on Friday looking to wrap up an ODI series win against Pakistan.

The Aussies were made to work in first match, but survived a scare to get home, winning by two wickets with 99 deliveries left.

There is plenty of room for improvement from the Australian side, that fielded a new-look opening partnership, and they will be keen move up a couple of gears.

Pakistan can take heart from their performance, and on another night they could have dismissed the Australian batting line-up for a famous win.

It is game on heading into the second match, and although the Aussie are the hot fancies, Pakistan cannot be written off.

Australia v Pakistan betting preview

Short looks to shine on home soil

Matt Short will have the perfect setting to rediscover his best form when he takes to the crease at the Adelaide Oval.

Short, who formed a new-look opening partnership with Jake Fraser-McGurk at the MCG in the first match, lasted just four deliveries, making just one run.

However Short will be delighted to be back at the Adelaide Oval, where he has starred for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Short says its his ‘favourite ground in the world’ and he will be out to get amongst the runs in front of the Adelaide crowd.

Fraser-McGurk will look to do the same after making just 16 runs in Melbourne, where the Aussies relied on an unlikely source to get the job done.

Skipper Pat Cummins held his nerve as wickets were tumbling, and his 32 not-out off 31 deliveries, got his side over the line.

Earlier, fellow pace bowler Mitchell Starc took all the plaudits when taking 3-33 off his 10 overs as Pakistan were dismissed for 203.

It is being suggested that Starc is in career-best form and he will look to carry that into the second match at the Adelaide Oval.

Pakistan pace troubles Aussies

Pakistan came within a whisker of beating Australia in the first match as their pace attack ripped into the MCG pitch.

Haris Rauf was a menace when taking 3-67, including the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.

However Pakistan could struggle to produce the same bowling performance on an Adelaide pitch that is more batter friendly.

With Shorter boundaries and less pace in the pitch, Pakistan could have to come up with a different tactic if they are to stifle the home side.

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Australia v Pakistan odds

Australia -1.20
Pakistan - 4.50

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.