The Australian derby is set to be the talk of the town in Dharamshala this Saturday. It’s a peculiar situation for both. A win almost guarantees a semi finals spot while a loss could mean too much to chase after in the last 3 games, especially for New Zealand.
New Zealand: The successive runners up of the world cup began with a bang winning 4/4 before India stopped their juggernaut at this very venue. Despite the obvious absence of Kane Williamson, the team combination has looked sorted and sailed smoothly so far, but they start playing some real tough opponents now and this test should be Stern and lengthy. They will try to make sure that the India game was just a hiccup and not a start of a possible downslide.
Australia: Unlike New Zealand, Australia’s campaign had the most horror start but mid tournament they have as much momentum as any team going around. All their batsmen have had good hit in the last 2 games and bowling has found rhythm too especially Adam Zampa who from literally no where finds himself on top of the wicket takers chart
Australia Probable XI: Warner, Marsh, Smith, Labuschagne, Inglis, Maxwell, Stoinis, Starc, Cummins, Zampa, Hazzlewood
New Zealand Probable XI: Conway, Young, Rachin, Mitchell,Latham, Phillips, Chapman, Santner, Henry, Ferguson, Boult
Key Players to watch for:
Mitchell Starc: If there is one Australian who hasn’t had a major haul so far, it’s their talisman pacer Mitchell Starc. Starc has picked up 5fers vs New Zealand in 2015 and 2019 both while defending low totals. It could be an ideal time to score a hat trick
Trent Boult: Like his counter part, Trent Boult also took 2 fifers in 2015 & 2019 including a hat trick in the later. A fifer here will take him to 50 world cup wickets. The cold conditions in Dharamshala and a day match could just be the perfect remedy for it
Interesting Stats:
- Australia will become the first team to play 100 world cup matches.
- New Zealand is the only other team who can reach the milestone in this edition if they reach another final.
- David Warner needs 1 more century to equal Rohit Sharma as the highest hundred scorer in world cup history
- Australia have beaten New Zealand 95 times in ODIs which is the most against any opponent after India’s 98 vs Sri Lanka
Weather Report and Pitch:
It’s a day match so early movement is expected so it’ll be a tricky decision on winning the toss. Australia have prefer to bat first whilst NZ have been good chasing.
