Co-hosts Australia’s all-round ability enough to knockout Pakistan

Despite Australia losing narrowly to Cricket World Cup co-hosts New Zealand in a low-scoring Pool A clash, they came through the group with ease, making light work of the likes of Sri Lanka and England.

The Baggy Greens (heavily odds-on at 2/9 for victory) even made a 400 plus total in their match against Associate Nation Afghanistan, with opener David Warner smashing 178 off 133 balls. Fiery Warner is 9/4 to be best Australian batsman again against Pakistan.

Glenn Maxwell, meanwhile, who hit a terrific hundred against Sri Lanka (102 off 53), has the highest strike rate (190.37) of any player that has more than 75 runs this World Cup. He is 7/1 in the same market.

If those two weren’t enough fire-power for the Aussies, they can also look to the likes of Yorkshire batsman Aaron Finch (3/1), who got 135 against England, and Steve Smith (10/3).

In the bowling department, the co-hosts, who will face Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval, have the highest wicket taker this tournament in another young star who had a spell at Yorkshire in Mitchell Starc. The 25-year-old has sent 16 men walking, at an incredible average of 8.50, and is 9/4 to be best with the ball for the Baggy Greens again.

But captain Michael Clarke and co will need to be wary of Pakistan, who got a brilliant victory over much-fancied South Africa in Pool B. The Men in Green are tempting 10/3 chances to cause another shock, and reach the semis.

Gang Green captain Misbah ul-Haq got the highest score for his side that day, and has been best batsman for Pakistan on two other occasions this World Cup, so back him to do so again at 10/3.