Australia and New Zealand, traditional cricket rivals, faced off in the 2015 World Cup finals and are now set to clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Australia, despite a slow start, have surged with three consecutive wins, securing the fourth spot in the points table. New Zealand, while suffering their first defeat in the tournament against India, has shown its strength throughout the World Cup.
THE VENUE FOR AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND MATCH
The 27TH ODI of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala. Black soil pitches are likely to be used during this World Cup at the HPCA Stadium.
The black soil wickets produce true bounce, making it a venue, where the quick bowlers will have some joy at least in the early stages of an innings
Average 1st Innings Score: 214
Average 2nd Innings Score: 184
TEAM PREVIEW
AUSTRALIA
Australia, known for their World Cup prowess, has risen from the bottom of the points table to the top four with three consecutive wins. They recently achieved the largest World Cup victory margin, defeating the Netherlands by 309 runs. David Warner and Glen Maxwell played pivotal roles with centuries.
Warner, the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament at the time, has scored back-to-back hundreds. Maxwell’s record-breaking century is a significant boost for Australia. Steve Smith also found form with a crucial 71.
Australia’s bowling lineup, featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, is formidable. The Dharamsala pitch should suit them, particularly in the powerplay overs.
Leg spinner Adam Zampa has been in excellent form with three consecutive four-wicket hauls and is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
EXPECTED XI OF AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND:
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne/Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand, once at the top of the World Cup points table, now holds the third position after a loss to India. Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra have been standout performers for the Kiwis.
Mitchell’s brilliant 130 against India and Ravindra’s consistent batting have been notable. Opener Devon Conway, despite a quiet spell, remains a quality player.
In the bowling department, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has impressed with 12 wickets in 5 innings. However, New Zealand’s pace trio, including Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson, will be crucial in taking wickets and controlling Australia’s strong batting unit.
EXPECTED XI OF NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA:
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
PREDICTION FOR THIS GAME
Australia has won their last five ODIs against New Zealand, giving them the upper hand in this encounter.