Adelaide: Australia and its leading athletes are poised on the cusp of historical significance in the forthcoming second ODI against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
In anticipation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Mitchell Starc has rediscovered his proficiency with the ball, an aspect that had been notably absent from his repertoire throughout much of the year 2024.
The left-arm spinner has garnered acclaim for his intense performance in the series opener at the MCG, achieving notable figures of 3/33 in his innings of 10 overs.
Following his remarkable display of pace, the seasoned bowler is mere six wickets from joining the ranks of Australian bowlers who have reached the milestone of 250 ODI wickets. Mitchell Starc currently holds the highest strike rate (26.59) among Australian bowlers in ODI cricket, having achieved this feat with at least 50 wickets.
Mitchell Starc's teammate, Glenn Maxwell, is also on the brink of achieving a significant milestone. After being caught off guard by Haris Rauf's relentless pace and being dismissed for a golden duck, Maxwell is in need of just 66 runs to cross the 4000-run mark in ODIs.
Pakistan was unable to secure a victory in the series opener, falling victim to a close 2-wicket defeat. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will endeavor to break their streak of defeats on Australian soil.
It has been an extended period since Pakistan has experienced success in Australia. The Men in Green have only managed to secure a single victory in their eight encounters at the Adelaide Oval, a narrow 12-run win in December 1996.
Pakistan now faces the challenge of extending their struggles in the 50-over format. The opening match saw Australia achieve its 71st victory over Pakistan, equaling the record set by the West Indies against Pakistan, albeit in 28 fewer matches. A further victory would cement Australia's dominance over Pakistan in ODI cricket.
