AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction, CWC Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Updates for Cricket World Cup 2023, 18th Match

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to witness a thrilling encounter as Australia takes on Pakistan in the 18th match at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 20. As cricket enthusiasts buckle up for this high-stakes game, we bring you all the details, including Dream11 predictions, fantasy cricket tips, the probable Playing XI, pitch report, and injury updates.

Team Review

Australia, a cricketing powerhouse, hasn’t quite hit its stride in this World Cup. They’ve managed just one win from three games so far, leaving fans and critics alike hoping for a more dominant performance from the Aussies. Meanwhile, Pakistan has displayed a decent run of form, securing two victories from three matches. These wins have placed them fourth on the points table, while Australia currently occupies the seventh spot.

In their recent match against Sri Lanka, Australia showcased a topsy-turvy performance. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka decided to bat and got off to an exceptional start, with both openers amassing 125 runs for the first wicket. However, Australia’s bowlers made a strong comeback, and Sri Lanka’s innings quickly crumbled, ending at a modest 209. Australia’s chase was far from flawless, with a shaky start that saw two early wickets. But partnerships down the order helped them secure a five-wicket win.

On the other hand, Pakistan faced arch-rivals India in their last match. After India chose to field upon winning the toss, Pakistan’s batsmen had a promising start, including a solid opening partnership and an 82-run stand for the third wicket. However, things took a turn for the worse as they lost wickets in quick succession, eventually getting bowled out for a meager 191. India capitalized on this advantage, with Rohit Sharma delivering a memorable performance. Although he missed out on a century, India won the game comfortably by seven wickets.

Match Information

Fixture: Australia vs Pakistan, 18th Match
Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
Date: October 20, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM IST
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

How to Watch

Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Stream: Disney+ Hotstar

Pitch Report

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its batsman-friendly pitches. Pacers may find some assistance in terms of seam and swing during the early stages of the game, but they’ll need to maintain precision to contain the batters. Given the batting-friendly nature of the track, teams winning the toss are likely to opt for bowling first. The average first innings score hovers around 207, indicating that the pitch often favors the chasing team.

Player Pick

Captains: Leading the Way

Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) | WK – Rizwan has been the epitome of excellence in this tournament, amassing a remarkable 248 runs in just three matches. His wicketkeeping skills have been invaluable for the team, making him a fantastic choice for your team’s captaincy role.

Mitchell Starc (AUS) | BOWL – Starc has been a dual threat, not only scalping five wickets with the ball but also contributing 55 runs with the bat. His ability to make an impact in both facets of the game makes him a brilliant pick to lead your fantasy cricket team.

Hasan Ali (PAK) | BOWL – Hasan Ali’s bowling prowess has been on full display in the tournament, having claimed seven wickets at an impressive economy rate of six in just three matches. His consistency makes him another strong candidate for captaincy.

Top Performers: Leading from the Front

Abdullah Shafique (PAK) | BAT – Abdullah Shafique has made a significant impact in the limited opportunities he’s had in the tournament. With just two matches under his belt, he’s managed to accumulate 133 runs at a strike rate of 104.72, showcasing his potential as a top-performing batsman.

Adam Zampa (AUS) | BOWL – Adam Zampa seems to be regaining his form as the tournament progresses. He’s picked up five crucial wickets in three games, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.54. His performance is a testament to his capabilities as a leading bowler.

Shaheen Afridi (PAK) | BOWL – While Shaheen Afridi may not have hit peak form, he’s still managed to secure four wickets in three matches. His versatility extends to batting, making him a valuable asset to your fantasy cricket team.

Budget Stars: Maximizing Value

Haris Rauf (PAK) | BOWL – Haris Rauf’s express pace has the potential to trouble even the best batsmen. He’s claimed five wickets at an economy rate of six in three matches, making him an excellent budget pick for your team.

Glenn Maxwell (AUS) | ALL – Although Maxwell’s batting hasn’t been stellar, with just 49 runs in three matches, he’s compensated with his effective bowling, scalping three wickets. His all-round capabilities can bring significant value to your fantasy cricket squad.

Marnus Labuschagne (AUS) | BAT – Marnus Labuschagne has emerged as the highest run-scorer for his team, amassing 113 runs in three matches during the World Cup. His consistency and budget-friendly price make him an appealing choice.

Players to Avoid: Use Your Budget Wisely

Fakhar Zaman (PAK) | BAT – Fakhar Zaman has been struggling with his form for a while now and should be kept off your fantasy cricket team.

Iftikhar Ahmed (PAK) | ALL – Iftikhar Ahmed’s performance in the tournament hasn’t been up to the mark. It’s advisable to steer clear of selecting him for your team in this match.