Dominant Australia eye stress-free route to the semis

Unbeaten Australia will look to secure their semi-finals passage when they take on beleaguered Pakistan in their Group A clash in Dubai on Friday (October 11).

In their lop-sided rivalry dating back to the 2012 T20 World Cup, Pakistan have never even come close to beating Australia in 15 attempts (2 no-results) and will face an uphill task in trying to stop the juggernaut that has rolled over Sri Lanka (6 wickets) and New Zealand (60 runs) quite comfortably in Sharjah. This is Australia's first and last group game in Dubai though, which may give Pakistan some leverage, but only just.

"There's been a few games to have a look at," Australia allrounder Annabel Sutherland said on how the team is preparing for a ground they've never played in before. "Looks like potentially a little bit better of a wicket, but still quite slow and taking a little bit of spin. But again, like we always do, we'll have to preview the game and then adjust on the day, given the conditions, which I think we're doing really well."

Things have gone south quickly for Pakistan since the Fatima Sana-inspired 31-run win over Asia Cup champions Sri Lankan side in the opening round in Sharjah. Daina Baig sustained a calf niggle in the game and missed out against India, and remains a doubtful starter for the Australia fixture. The team will also be without their inspirational young captain now who has