Australia captain Aaron Finch hopes the holder doesn’t become the latest World Cup team to be derailed by bad weather.
Heavy rain has impacted three matches in the World Cup so far.
And Finch has been anxiously eyeing the forecast to see if Australia could be the next victims when it faces Pakistan here on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka was washed out on Friday, the clash between South Africa and the West Indies was abandoned after less than eight overs play on Monday and Tuesday’s Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match also was abandoned.
Rain is predicted in the area on Wednesday and Finch conceded luck with the weather could play a role in who makes the semifinals.
Finch expects unpredictable Pakistan to provide a stern test. “I think Pakistan are a very dangerous side,” Finch said.
“They’ve some world-class players. Babar (Azam) is in great touch at No. 3 and holding their batting together,” Finn said. “(Mohammad) Amir coming back and he looks to be back to his best. Wahab (Riaz) has been fast and aggressive,” said Finch.
Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, meanwhile, vowed Pakistan would put the 5-0 whitewash by Australia in March behind. “Our morale is high and we will do our best.”
Sarfaraz refused to be drawn on whether Australia would be troubled by the absence of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been ruled out with a side strain. Australia has summoned another all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as potential cover for Stoinis.
Frustration
Pakistan was left frustrated after the match against Sri Lanka was washed out. Before that, it had brought its campaign back on track with a surprise 14-run win over England, after a defeat at the hands of the West Indies.
With bad weather forecast, Sarfaraz said his team was ready for a shortened match.