Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra said Australia can virtually bid goodbye to their World Cup 2023 hopes if they lose to Pakistan in their next match. However, both teams will play against each other at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, October 20. While Pakistan have registered two wins in their first three games, they are currently fourth in the points table.

Previewing the match in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: “Both teams are almost in the same boat at the moment. It’s not the same but almost. Both have defeated Sri Lanka and both have lost to India. Pakistan have won a match against the Netherlands and Australia lost to South Africa. If Pakistan lose, it will be two defeats and two wins in four matches, and it will be the same story for Australia as well. However, if Pakistan win, then Australia tata bye-bye. But if Pakistan lose, you can assume that their bye-bye will also happen soon.”

Aakash Chopra further added that Pakistan’s two wins have come against supposedly weaker teams and that things won’t work out for them if they surrender against the stronger sides as well.

“I feel the scales are tilted towards Australia. They will find a way. A lot of runs are expected to be scored in this match as it is a small ground with a flat pitch. The fast bowlers have a slightly higher status and Australia definitely have the better fast bowling at the moment. Finally, Mitchell Marsh has form and David Warner is sitting angry. Steve Smith hasn’t scored runs and everyone else is scoring, so he will want to pull his weight into the side. Josh Inglis has batted well. I see slightly fewer concerns for Australia,” Aakash Chopra concluded.