Pakistan's brittle propensity under pressure could be exposed by revitalized Australia

When the two teams square off in Bangalore on Friday, Pakistan, damaged and broken from their crushing loss to India in their most recent game, will face a tough test from a revitalized Australia.

On paper, Pakistan has had a better World Cup so far than Australia, with two victories to their one defeat. The Australian team, who started the tournament with back-to-back losses, would likely be in a better state of mind after their assured victory against Sri Lanka, while Pakistan will be reeling after the humiliation against India. Will that change anything?

Given Pakistan's brittle propensity under pressure, it might. Pakistan, a group of outstanding athletes, continues to uphold their infamous image as one of cricket's most unpredictable teams. The manner they gave in to India will undoubtedly have an impact on the team's mentality. Few will wager on whether they can clear that obstacle.

Pakistan's bowlers are its strength, but almost all of them struggled in the most recent match. That's a significant concern because the Bangalore pitch has a history of favoring batters. They will want a particularly incisive Shaheen Shah Afridi to deliver those first strikes. With Shadab Khan, who is essentially an all-rounder, out of shape, their standard spin attack has also been cause for concern. Usama Mir, a leg-spinner, might be given a chance on Friday.

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Australia has fewer worries, but almost all departments would need to tighten up.