The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 promises an exhilarating clash as Australia faces off against New Zealand in the 27th match. The game is scheduled at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, October 28. Both teams come into this encounter with intriguing narratives and high expectations.
Australia’s journey in this tournament has been a rollercoaster ride. They started with back-to-back losses. Since then, they roared back to life, securing three consecutive victories. Their recent performance against the Netherlands was a masterclass. Aussies triumphed by a staggering 309-run margin.
Glenn Maxwell showcased his exceptional form in the previous game with a breathtaking century. Steve Smith also found his touch, contributing a valuable fifty, while David Warner continued to excel with the bat. Australia’s bowling unit has consistently delivered, and they aim to maintain this momentum in the upcoming match.
New Zealand suffered their first tournament defeat against India in their most recent outing. Despite this loss, the Kiwis have been in exceptional form throughout the competition. They possess a formidable batting lineup and a strong bowling attack.
The clash between these two giants promises to be a thrill. Australia’s resurgence makes them a tough opponent. On the other hand, New Zealand’s consistency and all-round strength underline their might staying power.
Both teams are aware of the significance of this match, as it can impact their World Cup journey. With the tournament reaching a crucial juncture, expect a fierce battle.
Probable Playing XI
Australia
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.
New Zealand
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Key Players
Steven Smith: The Australian batter is back to business with an excellent 68-ball knock of 71 in the last game against the Dutch. Smith is a dependable batter and will look to carry the form forward into this game.
Rachin Ravindra: The left-handed batter is New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in this tournament. He has 290 runs at an average of 72.50. He is an excellent player of spin and pace, so he is expected to succeed against Australia.
Match Prediction
Australia are back in form, but New Zealand are the better side in quality and balance. The Kiwis are the favourites.
Netherlands vs Bangladesh
The Netherlands and Bangladesh find themselves in a crucial encounter in the 28th match, set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, October 28. Both teams are determined to turn their fortunes around and climb up the tournament table.
The Netherlands caused quite a stir earlier in the tournament when they achieved a stunning victory against South Africa. However, their journey has taken a downturn since then. In their last outing, Netherlands faced a challenge from Australia, getting bowled out for just 90 runs after conceding a massive 399.
Their struggles have been evident in both the batting and bowling departments, and they know that improvement is necessary.
On the other side of the pitch, Bangladesh’s campaign has taken a similar trajectory, with a promising start followed by a series of setbacks. After an impressive opening win, the Tigers have faced four consecutive losses. The issues have been evident in both batting and bowling; the bowlers have struggled to contain runs, while the top-order batsmen have not contributed yet.
Notably, the middle-order duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah has displayed commendable performances, but they alone cannot carry the team to victory. Bangladesh desperately needs a collective effort to secure a win against the Netherlands.
With both teams at the bottom of the table, this contest takes on added importance. The clash at the historic Eden Gardens promises to be competitive, with both sides striving to revive their World Cup aspirations.
Probable Playing XI
Netherlands
Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
Bangladesh
Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud
Key Players
Bas de Leede: The all-rounder is a crucial player for the Netherlands as he bowls his full quota of overs and also plays a vital role in the middle-order, batting at No.4. De Leede has been in excellent form in both departments, and he is expected to deliver in this encounter.
Mahmudullah: The veteran batter played a magnificent knock of 111 in Bangladesh’s loss to South Africa. He is their highest run-getter now, with 198 runs in four matches.
Match Prediction
Bangladesh are expected to win this contest as they are more experienced and superior in quality than the Netherlands. The Dutch batters will find dealing with the Bangladesh bowlers quite challenging.
