Pakistan vs Australia SF betting picks – T20 World Cup 2021

Can Australia silence the doubters and take down the in-form Pakistan in Dubai this Thursday morning to book a spot in the 2021 T20 World Cup final?

Justin Langer and his charges came into this tournament with no form and plenty of off-field concerns, and it looked like they were destined for an early exit following their capitulation against England in the Super 12 stage.

However, the Aussies bounced back with a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Bangladesh and then followed up with a strong chase against the West Indies to seal second place in Group 1, edging out South Africa on net run rate.

The most pleasing aspect of the win against the Windies was the return to form of David Warner, who hit an eye-catching 89 not out off 56 balls that included four sixes.

Another that appeared to be hitting his straps at the right time was Mitchell Marsh, who took advantage of his promotion to no.3 in the batting order with a well-made 53 from 32 balls.

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But while beating the stragglers in group play is one thing, matching motors with a flying Pakistan in the semis is another matter altogether.

Babar Azam and co. have dominated all comers thus far, topping Group 2 with a 5-0 record that includes a stunning 10-wicket win over India on the opening weekend of the Super 12.

Azam sits top of the T20 World Cup batting charts with 264 runs at 66.00 and four 50s, while his opening parter, Mohammad Rizwan, is not far behind with 214 runs at 71.33.

And while those two have done the bulk of the work with the bat, the Pakistani bowlers have shared the load more evenly, although Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi have stood out.

If Pakistan can keep doing what they’ve been doing and Australia can maintain the form they found late in the Super 12, it shapes up to be a gripping contest in Dubai.

Australia vs Pakistan betting predictions

Top Australia runscorer: David Warner

In any form of cricket, a score alone rarely tells the full story of an innings. Dave Warner had been scratching around in the early stages of this tournament, even when hitting 65 against Sri Lanka, but he was back to something like his best against the West Indies. He offers a touch more value than Aaron Finch (+250), so our money is on the New South Welshman.

Match result: Pakistan

If both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fail to deliver, then Australia will be right in it; however, on form, it is hard to see that happening. Throw in a well-drilled bowling attack that hasn’t conceded more than 151 runs in an innings, and this is Pakistan’s game to lose. The PCB’s decision to appoint Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander as advisers in the lead up to this tournament is looking more and more like a masterstroke.