CWC 2019: AUS vs BAN Preview – Defending champions aim to overcome resurgent Bangladesh
14 years ago, the Bangladesh cricket team stunned the World’s No.1 ODI side Australia at Cardiff. Over the years, they have earned the reputation of upsetting bigger teams on the biggest of stages. Whether it’s throwing out England in the 2015 World Cup or eliminating New Zealand on their way to the 2017 Champions Trophy semifinal. This World Cup isn’t too different.
Shakib Al Hasan’s sensational purple patch has ensured Bangladesh stay firmly in the hunt for a semi-final spot after initial hurdles. With 2 wins, 2 losses and a washout, they’re now placed fifth on the points table. Despite conceding 321 to the West Indies in their previous match, the Bangladeshi batsmen put up a clinical performance to record the second-highest World Cup chase.
As the race to the semis intensifies, they now find themselves facing one of their biggest challenges in the form of five-time world champions Australia. The Aussies just have a solitary defeat to their name, which came against Virat Kohli’s men. Sitting in the second spot on the points table, they’ll be eager to close out another victory and inch one step closer to qualification. But they must not forget how dangerous their opponent can be, especially when it comes to knocking teams out of the tournament.
Match Info
Australia vs Bangladesh, 26th Match
Trent Bridge, Nottingham (03:00 PM)
Head-to-Head
The Australians enjoy an overwhelming dominance against Bangladesh in World Cup fixtures. Both teams have clashed on just a couple of occasions and Australia have won them both.
Team News
Australia
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ timely recovery from a side strain will bolster the Australian line-up heading into this match. Australia will bank on Stoinis to deliver in both departments, which means Shaun Marsh is likely to return to the bench. Assistant coach Brad Haddin remarked Australia are still trying to get their team combination right. But overall, they are stronger on paper. Considering the nature of the wicket at Trent Bridge, Adam Zampa is likely to miss out again.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh have struck form at the right time. Their bowling has never looked stronger and Shakib’s promotion to No.3 has worked wonders. Add to it, Liton Das’ swashbuckling innings that has fired up the entire unit. They should not be tampering with their playing XI, given how it worked out perfectly against the West Indies. However, Bangladesh will have to tread cautiously, not get overconfident and tighten the loose ends. Australia will not give them any chance whatsoever.
Key Players
Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh): While all eyes will be on Shakib Al Hasan, a certain Tamim Iqbal will hope to get Bangladesh off to a flying start. In his 8 innings against Australia since 2015, he has scored 281 runs at an average of 35.12.
Mitchell Starc (Australia): With 13 wickets in just 5 matches and an economy of under 6, Mitchell Starc is already Australia’s leading and the joint-highest wicket-taker of this tournament. Bangladesh will be wary of his red-hot form.
Probable XI
Australia: D Warner, A Finch (c), U Khawaja, S Smith, G Maxwell, M Stoinis, A Carey (wk), P Cummins, M Starc, K Richardson, J Behrendorff
Bangladesh: T Iqbal, S Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, M Rahim (wk), L Das, Mahmudullah, M Hossain, M Saifuddin, M Hasan, M Mortaza, M Rahman
