This one is gonna be huge. The ancient arch rivals, Australia and New Zealand. The World Cup 2015 finalists. This Saturday, the two hot teams will compete at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Australia had a slow start, but they recovered brilliantly to win three straight games and take control of the No. 4 spot in the points standings.
On the other hand, India defeated the Kiwis this Sunday, their first loss of the competition. That shouldn’t, however, diminish the fact that New Zealand has been among the top teams competing in this World Cup. Although they have a dismal overall record in the ODI World Cup versus Australia, it would be foolish to write them off.
This matchup between two equally dangerous teams that can crush any team on their day should be exciting.
Thanks to hundreds from Glen Maxwell (106 off 44 balls) and David Warner (104 off 93 balls), the squad was able to tally an incredible 399-8 on the scoreboard. Warner has hit back-to-back hundreds and, as of this writing, has 332 runs from 5 innings at an average of 66.40, placing him third in the race.
Maxwell scored the fastest-ever World Cup century with a century in just 40 balls. His form is improving, which is fantastic news for Australia. Steve Smith was another batsman who gained some significant experience in the game against the Netherlands.
With every match, Australia’s bowling also appears to be getting more lethal. A fantastic fast-bowling trio is made up of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins. These three are currently among the best seam bowlers in the world. And keep an eye out for Adam Zampa.
Australia Squads
Australia
Pat Cummins (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne/Travis Head, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
New Zealand
In Kane Williamson’s absence, Daryl Mitchell has been New Zealand’s primary middle-order batsman and has been in excellent form over the past few months. One of the best batting performances of the competition, his incredible century of 130 against India in Dharamshala took him to 268 runs from 4 innings at an average of 89.33.
Rachin Ravindra, an all-rounder who bowls spin, has been an absolute standout. This World Cup, he has amassed the most runs for New Zealand, scoring 290 runs at an average of 72.50 in 5 innings. Although he hasn’t played much lately, opener Devon Conway is a talented player who has been playing well.
The most impressive bowler on the team is Mitchell Santner, a left-arm spinner who has taken 12 wickets in 5 innings at a rate of 16.91. But whether or not New Zealand wins this game will depend on how well Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson perform as a speed trio.
New Zealand Squads
New Zealand
Tom Latham (c & wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Lockie Ferguson, Will Young, Trent Boult
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Dharamsala
The chasing team has won five of the eight One-Day Internationals held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Chasing appears to be the better course of action in this situation, even though the pitch mostly stays true.
It will be a lovely, cool, and slightly hazy day in Dharamsala.
Dharamsala offers a genuine pitch. Both batsmen and fast bowlers can benefit from it. Almost all of the time, seam bowlers will have adequate purchase off the wicket.
AUS vs NZHead-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
Australia has won five of the last five One-Day Internationals (ODIs), while New Zealand lost each of them.