Azhar to return in Pakistan must-win game

Sydney: Australia will take on Pakistan in the fourth One Day International (ODIs) of the five match series scheduled between the two nations at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Steven Smith won the toss and decided to bowl first. His decision to do so paid off as they got Pakistan's stand-in skipper Mohammad Hafeez early in the match. Sharjeel Khan (50) and Babar Azam (84) were the only two to impress with the bat as the rest failed to fire.

Pakistan managed to post a total of 263 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs. The world champions had no trouble in chasing the total as Smith's unbeaten century played a key role in their latest win.

Smith was accompanied by debutante Peter Handscomb, whose 82 off 84 balls made sure Australia were in the pole position to seal a victory. He will be included in the playing XI for the fourth ODI.

It is unlikely that Pakistan will look to make any changes for the fourth ODI to face Australia. Meanwhile, Smith will welcome the return of pacerman Mitchell Starc for the Sydney match and his addition will further strengthen Australia's bowling division.

Teams (from):

Australia: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Chris Lynn, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa.
 
Pakistan: Azhar Ali (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Rahat Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz.

Pitch and conditions
Sydney's weather forecast is for fine, warm conditions.

Stats and trivia

• Pakistan have beaten Australia four times in ODIs at the SCG, but the hosts have been victorious on each of the past five occasions

Match facts
Sunday, January 22, 2017 (d/n)
Start time 1420 local (0320 GMT)